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**Anu** » 2012-06-26 22:09

I have read some of my fellow bloggers statements with reference to the above article and it seems to me that some of you clearly does'nt understand the position that the UPP Government has put us in with reference to the added airport tax and the UK's added tax. First of all, we are a tourist destination(tou rism is our main industry). We are more dependant on the UK's market than they are to us because the UK have a variety of industries to depend on, not us. It is the responsibility of our govt to create an attractive package to make the tourist want to come to our shores. Raising travel taxes at this time is not gonna help the cause at this time. Secondly, if BA comes to Antigua 7 days a week, there is no guarantee that these flights will be filled to capacity to our benefit. The reality is, we have a Minister of Tourism that is not proactive. Whether BA cuts back their flights or not, it is my view that the Ministry of Tourism is not marketing our country enough to attract more tourist from around the world. Its like everything this govt touch, it turns to disaster. I rest my case.

**Osbert R. Frederick** » 2012-06-26 20:49

When dunceness was being given away, John Maginley took the USS Gigantic and took all. The fellow is dunceness personified. Even if British Airways decided to cut flights before the new airport taxes were been introduced, doesn't John Maginley think that the new taxes will only add to the problem and that the airline might be forced to cut back even more. How much more dunce can this fellow get? He said that Antigua can market itself. Oh yes, we can do just that by letting the world know that we are prehaps the most expensive Caribbean destination. Antigua, we will continue to go backwards as long as ce continue to have folks like John at the helm of anything, and the worst that could happen is that he is heading our bread and **er industry. God help us!

**Bishop Receipt!** » 2012-06-26 19:17

Whether there are six or seven or even ten flights is not the issue here. What is very apparent is that Maginley doesn't seem to have a clue as to what BA's status for the next season is - Fact!

That is very disturbing! Our Minister of Tourism says the possible reduction in flights was made known before the passage of the Bill, yet he never stated if he contacted BA and what was his Government's response to this possibity!

How sad! No wonder he say he not running again!

**The Truth** » 2012-06-26 17:52

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/fx/public/en_gb?eId=111011×tamp=0626094608

This is for JUNE 2013 please see what days you can fly to Antigua,
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

My maths says seven flights, end of discussion?
BA havent cancelled anything every year every airline will review everything an extra $7 dollars inst going to put BA off when the UK governent tax is over $300 on a ticket! LEts lobby the UK government,w e need infrastructure, we need better facilities, it alls costs money

**harbour nights** » 2012-06-26 17:33

I would like to invite Mr Weston to name his source, making damaging treasonous allegations threatening the economic security of Antigua which is proved to be a fragrant lie. Is all this opposition can do is lie and be paid to say lie like Mr Gaston with the plant. Antigua isn't the UPP and ALP its every citizen, every Antiguan, our blood isnt UPP blood or ALP blood. Its time as people we get away from this school yard and act in the best interest of Antigua! Mr Weston bring a policy and be constructive very poor I expected better

**John French II** » 2012-06-26 16:58

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Quote:

The Heights by Great Men reached and kept, were not attained by sudden Flight. But they while their Companions Slept, were toiling upward in the Night. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Thanks & Praise to VC.
The numbers from the subject title will make Antigua & Barbuda's numbers not only lilliputian but give us cause to ponder and "Brainstorming Pause For Innovation and The Right People" as suggested by Dr. Isaac Newton.
Enjoy the Tale of Two Nations: USA & Canada.
www.huffingtonpost.ca/adrian-brijbassi/blame-canada-not-brand-us_b_1612334.html?utm_hp_ref=canada&ir=Canada+Travel&icid=maing-grid7%7Ccanada%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D173393
In a Globalized World, where every Nation - BIG & small - is fighting for the Tourist Dollar, A&B needs Visionary, Creative, Educated & Experienced People with RWE (fnpsr) on Deck. We are forever and Eternally Greatful to our Heroes and Ancestors who toiled and Laid Excellent Foundations.

Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda including Redonda.

**R Joesph** » 2012-06-26 16:01

Its True go to BA.com and search for June 2013 and you will see flights all 7 days! If you look at flights all winter they are there too? Why would they be selling these only to cancel on people! Why Dont Mr Weston actually come out with some ideas rather than constant lies! Leave that for your own website. The World is changing live in the new world or fail!

**The Truth** » 2012-06-26 15:48

They haven't cancelled them Fact!

they are still available to buy 12 months ahead for all 7 flights a week! FACT!

BA haven't made any decisions FACT!

Nonsense Story once again! Lets fight fires that actually exsist and focus on the issue not living in a pretend world of lies and rumour FACT!

**rupert j.** » 2012-06-26 15:09

I have no idea what this guy is talking about, every good company in this world do from time to time take a look at its operation and make the neccessary adjustments so if they have to make cuts they will do that regardless. so this weston fellow have to stop blowing smoke and rile up the faithfuls.

**John French II** » 2012-06-26 14:52

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Quote:

Daring Faith is Needed to Move Us Beyond this Trying Period. Dr. Isaac Newton.

We Must Develop a Sense of Urgency.
Quote:

It's the next move, how we are going to make up the loss. The plan in place to grow the sector even in adversity.- Skyewill

Here is a North Atlantic Consultant's Commentary on: Caribbean Governments Killing the Hotel Sector 'Golden Goose'.
www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Commentary%3A-Caribbean-governments-killing-the-hotel-sector-%27golden-goose%27-11438.html
As the Vendor at the Market says "Pay Attention!".
We must be governed by Strategic Thinking with "Working Handles For Innovation & The Right People".
Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda including Barbuda.

**Black Eye** » 2012-06-26 14:25

If this is true then the Good Minister is playing hide and seek

**MAGINLEY DENIES** » 2012-06-26 14:23

"MAGINLEY DENIES . . .. ."
That's all I need to see to let me know that whatever John "appear busy" Maginley is denying is actually true.

**lamanex** » 2012-06-26 11:58

Increasing taxes to expand your airport is not needed at this time when the world is in reccession. Airport upgrade should be on hold untill the ecconomy gets better. People should only be spending money when they are earning money so should your government. Expanding your airport then having less tourist and flights is not a good idea, it's like building a mansion after your kids are grown and gone and your wife devorced you. A lot of room and no companion to enjoy.

**ting ting** » 2012-06-26 11:48

Simple answer to solve Mrs Skerritt will you make a statement about the above issue and also why your department has been implicated with leaking infomation of this nation if it has? Or another fantasist ALP member trying to distract form their own issues as they have nothing credible to say? :-?

**tenman** » 2012-06-26 11:39

Its interesting to read a poster attacking his fellow commentators, and wanting to use the example of the BA tax increase (must have meant the UK government APD because BA can't charge taxes). This was John Maginley in Dec 2011:Quote:

“The APD is easy hanging fruit. People are still travelling so they say it’s not affecting people travelling but its really affecting us because even though our numbers might be up a little bit up from last year, it’s (impacting) the yield,” Maginley said. The tourism minister said the tax means that visitors arrive in the Caribbean with little to no money to spend on leisure and activities. Air Passenger Duty banding remains, region disappointed By OBSERVER News - Wednesday, December 7th, 2011.

So with this new tax the tourists will have more money for leisure and other activities? Who is the hypocrite? The poster simply cannot see the love in constructive criticism but prefers instead to spoil his blue politicians. He then wonders why there is corruption. Answer: because of people like you.
..

**kirikho kona** » 2012-06-26 11:38

When a destination is paired with another it means that there are less seats available for both (BA's 777s to here seat ~ 40J/24W/219Y - which means when Antigua is paired with Punta Cana/St. Kitts/San Juan/Grenada - then it means only roughly 20J,12W and 109Y is sold for passengers coming to Antigua....so its less seats available (hence the term "cutting back") - the 5 flights a week may also simply mean that antigua is getting the lesser portion of the seats for the remaining days of the week. example, 5 days a week Antigua gets 50% of the seats on a given pairing, for the remaining 2 days we may get as low as 20% of the seats sold on the aircraft.

hence ba.com will show tickets sold all seven days of the week until next september or so.

hope this clarifies some things.

**kirikho kona** » 2012-06-26 11:29

Eco Boy the 4 permanent flights Barbados lost are referring to 4 flights where they are not paired with another destination (like Tobago/Grenada/ Trinidad or St. Lucia)...the aircraft will still stop there, but the ultimate destinations or where a greater portion of the seats on the aircraft are sold to isn't Barbados.

Barbados had 4 dedicated Adams to Gatwick Flights 4 days a week and three to other destinations while stopping there. Now all 7 days are paired with other islands (eg. gatwick - adams - crown point - adams - gatwick)

**Skyewill** » 2012-06-26 11:15

It's not about the London games or even BA cutting back. It's the next move, how we are going to make up the loss. The plan in place to grow the sector even in adversity. Both the Games & The Tax will affect travel in some way. It it the job of our brilliant leaders to grow and prosper. Every problem have a solution. England slow this Summer? Target Antiguans Abroard and our Chinese tourists friends and South Americans. What ever, find solutions. that's the job.

**Rasta Pirate** » 2012-06-26 11:09

Before we start hanging people and blaming anyone, why are BA.com ( my inside source) selling seats for june 2013 for 7 days a week?
Juts saying for my $0.02

**rasta pirate** » 2012-06-26 11:00

Funny how they have cut back in the winter when BA.com are selling 7 flights a week next february? Must be a different BA

**eco boy** » 2012-06-26 10:52

British Airways are a world respected company, what individual in their right mind would tell someone outside of the government anything, I feel BA will launch an investigation into to this matter. Look at the world economy, it isnt in recession its practically a depression! In the summer its the low season and in WInter they are still flying 7 planes in which is the same as Barbados!!!!! Who for a fact have lost 4 permanent flights according to my inside source www.Ba.com but keep that one secret!!

**THE GODFATHER** » 2012-06-26 10:46

We talk politics, lambast politicians but ignore international circumstances that creates our problem. Where were the voices of the many bloggers when BA increased their taxes to the Caribbean? It is obvious that first world countries must always benefit from our resources, and with the slave mentality in tact, the blame is shifted, we are our worst enemies!

There are those who use insulting language, and that is ignored by the political hypocrites, but when the same is used against them they defend their own idiocy.

**another voicd** » 2012-06-26 10:36

BA announced a reduction in flights in the summer months... not year round. Maginley did speak to those issues in Parliament regarding the possible summer reduction because of the Olypics and also the US Presidential Elections. However it is te same BA who is demanding better facilities at the airport, better terminal etc.....who is to pay for that? the difference between the APD and the new Airport Administration Charge is that the APD is a general tax measure while the AAC (from $63.00US to $75.00US per UK passenger according to Dr. Cort in Parliament) is for the Airport Works only. it is always so easy to make personal attacks with inaccurate facts......

**fnpsr** » 2012-06-26 10:09

Tenman, you make an excellent point. This just shows the shortsightednes s and the tunnel vision of the government officials. If Mainley’s assertion is correct, then he failed to include this in the debate held in parliament and advise Parliament of the negative impact of the added tax. He failed to advise Parliament of the impact of the 2012 Olympics. He failed to advise Parliament of the downturn in the UK economy. He failed to advise parliament that because of the 2012 Olympics and the state of the European economy as a whole that European travelers may be staying home this year. Based on all of this, he failed to advise parliament, that this was not the time to add additional cost to ticket prices

**kirikho kona** » 2012-06-26 10:05

I honestly sometimes wonder where Mr. Weston gets his "inside information" from at times.... :-*

**kirikho kona** » 2012-06-26 10:03

BA's restructuring all their leisure routes on a whole (those routes served by a subfleet of 3-class 777s out of Gatwick) as they're refitting many of their fleet with the new first class sections progressively as they undergo maintenance.

While they announced some of those destinations (Cancun, Montego Bay, Orlando, Tampa, Barbados for example) will get the new first class service out of Gatwick - thus maintaining the frequency or even getting an increase in frequency, unfortunately it means those destinations who will not get the new first class service will have a reduction in frequency as the subfleet is not getting smaller (a reduction from ~12 three-class 777s to about 4-5 or so).

BA themselves announced the route restructuring since December last year so Hon. Mr Maginley may need to do a quick Google search before speaking on the matter any further (www.thebasource.com is a good way to start...)

just my $0.02

**Anu** » 2012-06-26 08:18

Giving Mr Maginley the benefit of the doubt, i'm gonna highlight a few issues where this subject is concerned. Mr Maginley Spoke about London's Olympics as one of the reason for the reduction of flights. Did BA indicate to Govt their intention to replace the two flights after the Olympics? With the introduction of the UK's APD charge which affect the price of tickets, and their already struggling economy, would raising our airport taxes attract more passengers from the United Kingdom?

**Bishop Receipt!** » 2012-06-26 08:17

Great post! However, unfortunately it is falling on deaf and dunce ears! If BA had given word before the new Tax Hike was taken to Parliament, why would they not have taken the time to review this new Tax Hike as possibly making the situation worse?

**tenman** » 2012-06-26 08:08

So before the new tax, Maginley knew that BA planned to cut back flights by 28% due mostly to the British tax, yet we added our own tax? UK demand is being affected by cost so we solve the problem by making it more expensive. This fact is also shown in the US market by hotels needing to discount ticket prices. The UK market brought more stay over passengers in 2011 (92,097) than any other market (US was second with 84,832). Price elasticity of demand will be ignored in order to pretend the books will be balanced.

..

**R. Berry** » 2012-06-26 06:36

Doesn't this Government see that the economy under their administration, continues to shrink and yet all they can do is tax, tax and more tax.

We cannot tax our way out of our recession, but we can certainly tax our way into deeper and deeper recession.

Wake up A&B Government/peop le we have to put money back into circulation, not continue to take it out. What is the Government doing with all the monies they are collecting, especially since Mr. Lovell has reduced Government expenditure by 42 million dollars.

We the people need a true and detailed account of where all this money is going? Identify the pocket names..etc....

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