Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles is calling for the resignation of Trade, Investment and Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj, accusing him of failing to act in the best interest of citizens following a proposed hike in domestic airfares.
Beckles issued the call on Friday as she strongly criticised the Government’s consideration of higher peak-period ticket prices on the airbridge.
On Thursday, Trade, Investment and Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj announced that a proposal has been put before Cabinet which could see members of the public paying between $960 and $1,000 to travel between Trinidad and Tobago via Caribbean Airlines during peak periods, as Government considers introducing unsubsidised flights on the domestic airbridge.
In a statement, Beckles described the move as “oppressive” and warned it would have far-reaching consequences for ordinary citizens—particularly those who rely on the airbridge for daily travel between Trinidad and Tobago.
She argued that the proposed increase, from approximately $400 to as much as $1,000, represents a steep and sudden jump that would disproportionately affect working-class families and frequent travellers.
“A sudden fare increase of over 100 per cent cannot be considered ‘nothing’ by anyone other than a clearly disconnected Cabinet,” Beckles said.
The Opposition Leader warned that higher peak-period fares would reduce predictable access to flights, disrupt the movement of people, and place additional strain on Tobago’s economy.
She said businesses on the island, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors, would face increased operating costs, which are likely to be passed on to consumers.
According to Beckles, the ripple effects could extend beyond tourism, impacting access to healthcare and education for citizens who depend on affordable inter-island travel.
She further argued that reduced affordability could discourage domestic travel, undermining visitor flow into Tobago and affecting small businesses such as guesthouses, taxi operators, tour guides, and food vendors.
Beckles also accused the Government of taking what she described as a “lazy strategy” by opting for fare increases instead of addressing inefficiencies within Caribbean Airlines and improving reliability on the airbridge.
She maintained that subsidised inter-island travel is a longstanding national principle meant to preserve unity and ensure equal access within Trinidad and Tobago.
“Once subsidised connectivity between the islands is treated as expendable, nothing is protected,” she warned, suggesting that cargo and sea bridge fares could also come under threat.
Beckles urged the Government to reconsider the proposal and pursue solutions that would not shift the financial burden onto the travelling public.
