CASTRIES, St Lucia – The St. Lucia government has welcomed the announcement that the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines (CAL) would begin operating daily flights from the oil-rich twin island republic to Castries from February 10.
“I welcome this new service that will be provided by Caribbean Airlines into Saint Lucia from 10 February, 2012. This service certainly provides St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago greater air access into each other’s countries and paves the way for our peoples to deepen participation in events in our respective countries such as Carnival, jazz and our Creole Heritage activities during the month of October,” said Tourism Minister Lorne Theophilus.
He said “Trinidad has traditionally been a very important Caribbean tourism source market for St. Lucia and this service by Caribbean Airlines into George F.L. Charles airport will make it extremely attractive for Trinidadians to not only come to St. Lucia for our big events but to make St. Lucia their weekend getaway destination of choice in the Eastern Caribbean.
“This will also provide greater travelling options for many St. Lucian students pursuing tertiary education at various educational institutions in Trinidad. We hope that this service succeeds as this will be one more bridge built in making the dream of Caribbean economic, social and cultural integration a reality,” he added.
Caribbean Airlines Acting Chief Executive Officer Robert Corbie said the new route “solidifies our commitment to provide our customers with more options for travel within the Caribbean.
“St. Lucia has been of strategic interest to us and we are excited to offer our Caricom neighbours reliable scheduled airlift within the Caribbean. Our current offer for students along with added benefits of frequent flyer miles and complimentary bags will add value and exceed service expectations,” he added.
In recent months, St. Lucia has complained at the monopoly status enjoyed by the regional airline, LIAT, saying that the high airfares were also prohibiting meaningful intra-Caribbean travel. (CMC)
