Jean Holder, chairman of Caribbean airline LIAT, has tendered resigned from his post during a troubled time for the carrier.

However, he confirmed he will remain in place until officials in the Barbados government are able to find a replacement.

In correspondence obtained by The Daily Observer in Barbados, he told fellow board members: ““I have now, for my own reasons, of which I have informed the government of Barbados, found it necessary to resign that directorship to which it appointed me.

“Consequently, I automatically cease to be chairman when my directorship ends.”

Barbados has a total of four directors on the LIAT Board; Antigua two while St Vincent & The Grenadines and St Lucia have one each.

Holder continued: “I have indicated to the government of Barbados, my willingness to remain in place until a new director is appointed and the Board has the opportunity to elect a new chairman.

“This is to avoid a break in leadership at a time when management faces many challenges and needs to be able to refer matters to a chairman for support and advice.

“We should therefore meet again before I go.”

Cost-Cutting

LAIT is presently seeking to cut costs as debts mount, provoking a furious response from staff.

Key to the proposals is the closure of city ticket offices, with the subsequent loss of staff positions.

In return for the cuts unions’ demand LIAT agree to pay the employees three months’ worth of wages in lieu of notice, as part of the voluntary separation package that the company is offering.

LAIT has thus far refused, with the most recent talks concluding on Friday.

Strike action at the airline thus remains a possibility.