In a recent parliamentary session, the Ministry of Tourism Kishore Shallow revealed a mounting financial dispute between the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and JetBlue.
The current administration has inherited a staggering debt of over $10 million owed to the airline, a situation described as a product of “irresponsible leadership” by the previous government.
According to Shallow, the outstanding debt is the result of a poorly negotiated agreement and a prolonged failure to make payments. The Minister stated that the agreement with JetBlue was entered into without the oversight of any professional organization or consultant.
Following the signing of the agreement, Shallow said the previous administration reportedly refused to pay its bills from 2024 until they demitted office. This ongoing non-payment culminated in the current $10 million balance.
Despite the substantial debt, the Minister emphasized that JetBlue remains a “very important airline to St. Vincent and the Grenadines” and that the current administration is actively working to manage the situation.
While the financial legacy remains a challenge, JetBlue’s operational performance in the country paints a more promising picture of the local tourism sector.
Data presented in Parliament shows that JetBlue has experienced steady, upward growth in passenger traffic since the current administration took office:
- First Three Months:Â Arriving passengers on JetBlue flights averaged 114 per flight.
- Last Three Months:Â The average climbed to 140 passengers per flight, marking an increase of 26 passengers per flight.
The government highlighted these figures as evidence of consistent, strategic growth in traffic to the islands, attributing the positive trend to more prudent planning and improved strategic leadership.
