Source: DAILY NEWS
TORTOLA — British Virgin Islands residents will soon be able to island hop regionwide via Caribbean Airlines.
That’s because the Trinidad and Tobago-based airline announced the launch of its new route to the British Virgin Islands, beginning Oct. 14, with four weekly flights.
The airline, in a statement, said the expansion “is part of its strategic plan to better connect the Caribbean region, enhancing its robust network.”
Flights will operate from the airline’s base in Trinidad, offering convenient connections to other destinations including Antigua, Barbados and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
In the BVI, the current options for travel to Eastern Caribbean destinations are via Inter Caribbean Airways or by private charter.
“Regional connectivity is at the heart of Caribbean Airlines’ mission. Our new service to Tortola is a significant step in our growth strategy, and we are committed to providing seamless travel experiences for our passengers,” Caribbean Airlines CEO Garvin Medera said in a statement. “By the end of this year, Caribbean Airlines will link the Spanish, French, Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean with each other, as well as the North American Diaspora, and business and leisure travellers who wish to explore our vibrant region.”
Since Hurricane Irma, the pandemic and the demise of LIAT, BVI residents have had limited options to travel to the Eastern Caribbean and the available pathways have been costly. Some residents have traveled via St. Thomas to Miami to their destination. Some Eastern Caribbean residents on St. Thomas have traveled through the BVI to get to their homeland.
One BVI official meanwhile has not been happy with the available services.
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has been urging Inter Caribbean Airways to accelerate efforts to rectify what he described as “inadequate service levels provided to travellers from the BVI.”
Rymer, in response to numerous public complaints about delays, cancellations, and other service-related issues, convened discussions with the airline’s Chief Executive Officer Trevor Sadler and Chief Operations Officer Craig Chapple.
According to a released statement, during the talks, airline officials attributed the disruptions primarily to technical difficulties with their aircraft and ongoing staffing challenges.
Rymer said dependable and efficient air transport services are crucial for the territory, particularly for maintaining regional connections and supporting the local economy.
“The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to the well-being of our residents and visitors,” he said. “We have urged Inter Caribbean Airways to accelerate their efforts to rectify these issues and restore the standard of service that our community expects and deserves.”
Inter Caribbean Airways officials gave the assurance that the airline “is actively working to resolve these technical and crew-related issues,” he said.
He added that BVI government “remains dedicated to exploring all possible options to ensure that the air travel needs of the BVI community are met with the highest service standards.”
In the meantime, BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission Director Clive McCoy welcomed Caribbean Airlines, which he said will offer the flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with Caribbean Airlines’ decision to service our islands. Granting more persons the opportunity to visit the BVI is a win for tourism,” McCoy said. “We look forward to welcoming the guests with BVI Love.”
THE AUTHOR: DEAN GREENAWAY
