LATEST UPDATES AND PRESS RELEASES

JAMAICAN NATIONALS IN SOUTH FLORIDA STAND BY JALPA

Emotions ran high last Tuesday at Marcia’s Café in the South Florida community as

Jamaican nationals converged in support of the staff of Air Jamaica.

A community forum organized by Dr. Bevon “Duke of Earle” broadcast producer of weekly program “Hot Talk” on WAVS-1170 AM in an effort to engage the Diasporic community of the upcoming divestment of Air Jamaica to Caribbbean Airlines and to discuss the Jamaican Airlines Pilots’ Association (JALPA) proposal to acquire the
Airline. The forum was broadcast live on the weekly radio program.

Secretary of JALPA, Captain Maria Zaidie-Haddad addressed the audience of approximately 70 concerned residents of the Jamaican Diaspora and assured her audience that the Acquisition Team had a team of sound, equity investors in place, although she was unable to disclose that information because of non-disclosure
agreements. Captain Haddad also made reference to the emotional connection of the 40- year old airline to Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora, describing the JALPA takeover as “preserving our national treasure.”

In contrast, she mentioned the impact on the national economy with the loss of jobs to Jamaicans – those working with Air Jamaica as well as those affiliated with industries that could be affected by the divestment of the airline to Caribbean Airlines. These areas included the tourist industry, and assistance with philanthropic support from the Diasporic community, and the various areas of technical support personnel working with the airline

In an effort to convince the Government to reconsider its position on the airline’s divestment, JALPA plans to continue its appeal for community support. . Captain Haddad also encouraged persons to express their views connected with the divestment to the Government of Jamaica as well as the Air Jamaica Board.

Everyone in the room made it abundantly clear that they were not going to allow the sale of Air Jamaica to outsiders and wanted to know exactly what was required of them. They plan to write, phone and press their representatives until their voices are clearly heard.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________