BRADES, Montserrat CMC):

Montserrat yesterday announced it was pursuing a number of options to ensure uninterrupted access to the island, following the announcement by Carib Aviation that it would no longer service the route from the end of this month.

The Antigua-based airline said rising fuel costs and the loss of seven pilots at short notice had forced it out of the skies.

Long term continuation

Chief Minister Dr Lowell Lewis said he was holding talks with the Antigua government, Carib Aviation officials and other private sector parties to ensure the long term continuation of a Carib Aviation Air Service for Montserrat and Barbuda that will retain the marketing arrangements with regional airline, LIAT.

"I wish to reassure the travelling public that they will be able to get to and from Montserrat after September 30, 2008 and not to cancel their travel plans. My government is working on a number of access options, the details of which will be announced shortly," Lewis said.

Valid bookings

The authorities have said that while Carib Aviation has temporarily stopped taking reservations beyond September 30, 2008, all future bookings made before yesterday remained valid until further notice.

Persons wanting to travel to and from Montserrat after September 30, have been asked to register their names, contact numbers, dates and times of travel, with their travel agents or by contacting the Montserrat Tourist Board.

Meanwhile, a government statement said that an announcement would soon be made regarding the resumption of the ferry services between Montserrat and Antigua.