The government of Antigua and Barbuda has authorized a second humanitarian disbursement for former employees of the defunct regional airline LIAT 1974 Ltd. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who also serves as Finance Minister, revealed plans to allocate an additional EC$2 million (Eastern Caribbean dollars) to assist workers affected by the carrier’s collapse.
This forthcoming payment follows a previous distribution and will be funded through the government’s bond issuance mechanism. Browne emphasized that the financial assistance constitutes a voluntary gesture rather than a statutory requirement, reflecting the administration’s pro-labor stance and commitment to social equity.
“This represents a gratuitous payment without legal obligation,” Browne stated, clarifying the government’s position. The Prime Minister acknowledged ongoing dissatisfaction among some former employees and labor representatives regarding the absence of comprehensive severance packages since the airline terminated operations.
Despite these concerns, Browne affirmed the government’s dedication to maintaining dialogue with affected parties and implementing reasonable measures to alleviate financial hardships, within the constraints of public finances. To receive the payment, eligible former employees must verify their personal details with the court-appointed administrator handling the airline’s liquidation process.
LIAT 1974 suspended operations in 2020 amid financial difficulties and underwent formal liquidation proceedings in 2024, resulting in significant employment displacement across multiple Caribbean nations. While the Antiguan government maintains it bears no legal responsibility for severance obligations, it has consistently provided limited financial relief on compassionate grounds while keeping communication channels open with impacted workers.