Airlines
American Airlines Apologizes To Two Caribbean Prime Ministers Over Guyana Incident
American Airlines has issued a “sincere apology” to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his counterpart, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, after they became the latest high-level officials to be affected by the airline’s policy on leaving Guyana earlier this month.
The airline refused to let the two prime ministers check in through the VIP Lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, according to the Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two leaders were in Georgetown for the 2023 International Energy Conference and Exhibition (CJIA).
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The Guyana government had previously raised objections to American Airlines‘ stance against its own high-ranking government personnel, according to the Foreign Ministry, but to no effect.
The two prime ministers received letters from American Airlines’ Robert Wirick, the company’s managing director of international government affairs, on February 20. In the letters, Wirick expressed his “sincere regret for not promptly approving the request for expedited treatment and the inconvenience caused during your departure from Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport” (CJIA).
After flying from Guyana to Miami to connect with a trip to The Bahamas for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting, he wrote, “We deeply apologize that we fell short of your expectations.” American holds your connection with the people of Trinidad & Tobago in the highest regard. We’ll work hard to make sure all of your next flights with us are enjoyable and go above and beyond your expectations. American takes pride in giving our customers the respect and service they deserve. Please don’t be hesitant to get contact with me if you have any queries or issues,” Wirick wrote in the letter.
