THE EDITOR, Sir:WITH REFERENCE to Butch Stewart's investment and loss in Air Jamaica, to date we have not heard from him regarding his vision to turn around Air Jamaica.
Every business entity stands alone as a profit or break-even centre. When the business continues to create substantial losses or is unable to meet its daily operational expenses, the decision has to be taken to reorganise or close down. This is the norm in any part of the world you conduct business,
Recently. Mr. Donald Trump had to reorganise his casino empire. This is the mindset which we have not heard from the two major shareholders.
The present strategy of using Air Jamaica as a loss leader to sustain the tourist industry and other interests makes no real strategic sense in the national interest. It is morally wrong to hold the country to ransom with an entity that has no real asset value that the country could salvage.
It is folly to believe that Jamaica cannot have a vibrant economy or a growing tourist industry without a national carrier.
There are many countries in our own CARICOM region that boast a vibrant and growing industry without having a national carrier.
It is folly to believe that there are no other carriers waiting in the wings to take up the slack and increase their market share. It is also folly to believe that these carriers would not assist Jamaica to promote its tourist industry when the result will be a win-win situation.
Therefore, the major shareholders have two options facing them:
Agree on an outright takeover by either party as the present combination is a failed partnership. If the government decides to take over, reorganise and infuse new management shareholders who are experts in creating viable airlines.
Close down Air Jamaica.
The country has reached a critical turning point that requires leadership and vision in getting it right for the national 'lovebird' before it becomes a national 'hatebird' and also to give our future generations a better chance to a brighter future.
I am, etc.,
BILLY HYLTON
Kingston
