That was the word from its chairman Jean Holder while addressing the International Air Transport Association Caribbean Aviation Day at Hilton Barbados yesterday.

Holder challenged regional governments that depended heavily on cheap intra-regional travel to come up with a comprehensive air transportation policy based on their individual needs.

"I suggest that all those for whom an affordable intra-Caribbean service is vital should now come to the table in search of a community of interests. This group should include the travel and tourism partners, some of whom for years have subsidised foreign carriers and those who impose the various taxes which LIAT has to include in each ticket.

"The time for action is now, let us embrace the moment."

Last week one of the region's more successful hoteliers, Ralph Taylor, called for the Barbados Tourism Authority and other similar agencies throughout the Eastern Caribbean to come together on this issue.

He said a united stance was the best way to deal with this issue which hoteliers and tourism officials had been criticising for weeks.

St Vincent's Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves recently cautioned the travelling public not to expect lower fares.

He made it clear that LIAT was in no position to make any downward adjustment in the current fare structure. (JW)