| Rising Air Fares Top Ministers Agenda |
By BBC - Caribbean
May 21, 2007
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| CARICOM ministers responsible for transportation have begun a meeting in Kingstown to discuss problems facing intra-country travel. |
In recent weeks they've been complaints about rising air fares as competition among airlines decreases and also calls for a sea ferry service connecting nations of the region.
The meeting is under the auspices of the Council of Trade and Economic Development (COTED). |
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| It is being chaired by CARICOM prime minister responsible for air transportation, Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. |
| Dr. Gonsalves said: "Given the spatial distribution of our member states and their separation by large expanses of water air and maritime transportation play a critical role in the development of our economies." |
| He said the meeting had to give priority to a number of issues including, "completing the single market for transportation; whether a regional airline is possible or if functional corporation is a more realistic option." |
| He also mooted the idea of "possibilities for an inter-island ferry service, not just for passengers but importantly for goods.". |
| CARICOM's focus on transportation comes at a time when the region is coping without a regional shipping line for products from the common market. |
| Dr. Gonsalves said the forum would seek to discuss the issues raised by concerns over rising airfares across the region, since the two regional inter-island carriers Liat and Caribbean Star began sharing routes ahead of next month's finalisation of a merger. |
Airline and tourism officials have attributed a steep hike in air fares partly to rising fuel prices and escalating government taxes ranging from US$78 to $280, depending on the destination and travel itinerary. |
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