Posted on 11/09/2002 3:48:48 PM PST by TexKat
Airlines were unable to refuel at the V.C Bird International Airport yesterday.
This is because line staff at Texaco West Indies Ltd., did not show up to work opting instead to take part in the civil disobedience, “down tools protest” called by the opposition United Progressive Party.
The UPP is calling for a full probe in the passport scam. This forced the Gas Company, which is responsible for refuelling a number of airlines to make alternative arrangements.
Area manager Ralphine Jackson confirmed to the SUN that a number of workers did not show up to work and as a result airlines could not be refuelled. She could not say how many airlines were affected but indicated that efforts were made to have the matter rectified.
SUN understands that Carib Aviation was affected. Caribbean Star on the other hand had its aircraft refuelled Thursday night. Some of LIAT’s flights were delayed while others were refuelled off island.
When contacted Aerodrome Superintendent Errol George said he could not shed light on what transpired in the morning but stated that the afternoon’s traffic was not affected.
“We were able to intervene in the situation. Arriving flights in the afternoon were refuelled, as personnel from St. Lucia and Barbados were flown in to take up the slot and to deal with the situation.”
Industrial relations officer of the Antigua & Barbuda Workers Union, Chester Hughes made it clear that the union did not have any industrial dispute with Texaco.
“What is happening is a political statement,” he said.
Several staffers of Texaco could be seen in the protest march yesterday which ended up at the Office of the Prime Minister located on Queen’s Elizabeth Highway.
Neighbors mentioned the home of a Spanish-speaking man who lives in a gated compound in Yorks village with three partially finished concrete buildings. Taxis drop off nationals of other islands who need papers to remain in Antigua. When the cabs return, their fare may be one of the island's newest citizens, neighbors said.
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