- LIAT Ceases Operations January 24, 2024
According to Barbados Today, LIAT, a regional carrier that has been owned by Caribbean governments for almost 50 years, will end its current phase as LIAT (1974) Ltd on January 24.
Regrettably, this decision will lead to the regrettable layoff of more than 90 employees, who will not receive their rightful salaries. However, guarantees have been given regarding the company’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities.
Barbados TODAY acquired a letter signed by the administrator, Cleveland Seaforth, dated Thursday, which transmitted this information.
Despite the closure resulting in staff layoffs, a few personnel are anticipated to remain in order to supervise the final duties necessary for concluding the company’s affairs. According to one of the few remaining employees, this action is a part of the process to form its replacement, the projected LIAT (2020) Limited.
The court-appointed Administrator, Seaforth, has made the decision to permanently halt all commercial flying operations of the scaled-down LIAT, effective from the end of business on January 24, 2024. This decision comes after careful consideration and evaluation of the current operations. LIAT had collapsed in 2020, resulting in numerous job losses throughout the region.
“Due to the reasons mentioned above, we hereby inform you that your employment with LIAT (1974) Limited (in administration) will be terminated on February 4, 2024.”
Seaforth informed the employees that the company is now unable to provide any severance payments. However, it assured them that it will fulfil its responsibilities regarding severance, vacation compensation, retroactive pay, and any unpaid salaries.
The letter stated that the corporation acknowledges its responsibility regarding the listed entitlements, which will be given to you separately within 45 days of receiving this letter, after the necessary calculations have been finalised.
