Before the BWIA logo disappears, it is important that management outline, with greater precision, the reasons for the shutdown of the airline. It is hardly enough to blame the unions.

Some hold the Government responsible for the present state of affairs, seeing the impending closure as evidence of poor management of yet another government-controlled institution following, as it does, the termination of Caroni (1975) Ltd and the International Communications Network.

Others, with an it-had-to-happen-attitude, have pointed to the millions of dollars that have been pumped into the airline over its 66-year history, a pattern that they believe will continue in the future.

Still others, with nostalgia, have lamented the impending closure of the airline, which has been a source of national pride even as it has been the subject of much “picong”, mostly from citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

It seemed at times that BWIA never left on time, while every other airline did; that luggage got lost only because of inept handling at the BWEE counter.

In the airline’s ability to withstand the pressure of the distinctly Trinidadian humour and often unfair criticism, it has shown itself to be very much part of the national landscape. But, there is much more to BWIA than this.

BWIA has served the people of the Caribbean for as long as it has because it was doing some things right. Unquestionably, the company, in its various reincarnations over the years, has made mistakes.

And, no one can reasonably argue that the airline should continue with business as usual. But, too little, it seems, is made of the airline’s safety record and the dedication of most of its workers, who have given a face and personality to the airline and held up a portrait of the country to the outside world. BWIA consists in its people—a people who could distinguish themselves by a high level of service and expertise.

Regional status

Although announcement of the closure of BWIA was not unexpected, the move will not come without its costs, both to the Government—the majority shareholder—and the workers.

The company has already indicated that it will cost a “significant sum” to close the airline. It must be that Government has argued that it would be far better to pay that sum now rather than to continue paying to keep up appearances.

For the workers, the cost must be in uncertainty, dislocation, possible unemployment and the emotional stresses that attend the impending closure.

Many questions remain unanswered regarding the present situation and the new entity Caribbean Airlines, not the least of which is why should this new airline succeed where BWIA has failed.

The proposed name of the new company suggests strongly an intent to make the airline a truly regional carrier, with some real participation by other Caribbean nations—a participation which has been illusive during the life of BWIA. How does Government expect to achieve this regional status?

Nevertheless, the closure of BWIA need not be the worst possible of outcomes. To put it in terms of this weekend’s Gospel which tells of Jesus’ resolve to take the path to his crucifixion (Mark 8: 27-35), the end of the line for BWIA—a cross for the airline and its staff—may be an opportunity for a new airline, building on the experience of the past 66 years, to surprise many of the critics of BWIA.