Reacting to Thursday’s industrial action by the air traffic controllers, President of the Negril Chamber of Commerce Richard Wallace says the flight cancellations have the potential to damage brand Jamaica.
Non-functional equipment and poor maintenance among other issues prompted the strike action which saw the suspension of air traffic services. Wallace is of the view that the suspension of air traffic services on Thursday had a devastating impact on the tourism sector.
The cancellation of all the flights he says due to the strike action was harmful to brand Jamaica. While acknowledging the grievances of the workers, Wallace says the industrial action affected all Jamaicans including the protestors. He adds that an unstable reputation to investors and visitors coming to the island can never be good for the country.
Despite this, Wallace is optimistic that brand Jamaica remains strong, as the summer season approaches.
