The decision of the board of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) to seek advice from the Attorney General on the controversial purchase of nine aircraft is insulting, insensitive and illogical. It is insulting and insensitive to the line minister who has responsibility for the airline's operations. The line minister had already, through the Cabinet, advised on the Government's choice of aircraft manufacturer. What does the board do? It defies the line minister and a Cabinet-approved contract, even after being invited to a meeting to express any contrary opinion. That was insult number one. It then retained Queen's Counsel to defend its own act of firing the company's CEO. Insult number two.
Now it seeks an opinion from the AG, sidestepping the line minister again. Insult number three.
So why approach the AG for an expert opinion on the purchase of aircraft? From all appearances the issues at stake are not within the realm of law but have to do with cost as well as security and safety. How can the custodian of the rule of law supply an expert opinion on these matters? Illogical may not be the word to describe an act which is so befuddling and unsound. The Prime Minister has to step in to prevent any further "CALamity."
Bimal Samaroo
Penal