NEW YORK (JIS) – A leading Caribbean diplomat has come out in support of Air Jamaica’s expansion into the Eastern Caribbean region.
Hon. Jessica Odle, Consul General of Barbados to New York, has said that Air Jamaica is deserving of support for its commitment to regional development.
Addressing compatriots at the New York Marriott Hotel, Brooklyn, last Friday, as part of activities marking the tenth anniversary of the Air Jamaica/Barbados partnership, Consul General Odle said that the community has a responsibility to support the only regional carrier.
“I cannot speak of another (carrier) because it has not been presented to me formally. I have only today, as I stand here, a relationship with Air Jamaica as a carrier to the Caribbean and to Barbados. And until that changes, I have to ‘big up’ air Jamaica and urge each and everyone of you to start planning your trips on Air Jamaica, the prices are great,” Consul General Odle said.
Highlighting the importance of Air Jamaica’s community outreach initiatives, Ms. Odle cautioned that even though we will always have choices, our first choice must be based on patriotism to the Caribbean region and Air Jamaica.
Paul Pennicook, Air Jamaica’s Senior VP of Sales & Marketing, said that the company is excited about the new service and the 10 year partnership with Barbados.
“We intend to be flying to Barbados for a very long time. Barbados is clearly the hub of the Eastern Caribbean, so flying Barbados as frequently as we do, we are also servicing our Caribbean brothers ands sisters,” Pennicook noted.
Air Jamaica recently launched new daily flights to Barbados from New York’s JFK International Airport, signaling a giant step forward for travel and tourism in the Eastern Caribbean. The new service, complimented by daily service between Barbados and the Air Jamaica Montego Bay hub, comes closely on the heels on winding up operations by British West Indies Airways (BWIA) and a decision by its successor, Caribbean Airways to drop Barbados from its non-stop New York schedule.
