Latin America

malaise

(268,998 posts) Thu Feb 16, 2023, 08:08 AM Feb 2023

American Airlines refuses VIP access to two Caribbean PMs (Rowley, Gonsalves) in Guyana

https://www.cnc3.co.tt/american-airlines-refuses-vip-access-to-rowley-gonzalves-in-guyana/

The Guyana government Wednesday criticised American Airlines for continuing to “pay scant regard” to its requests after two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) prime ministers, T&T’s Dr Keith Rowley and St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves became the latest high-level officials to fall victim to the airline’s policy.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the airline had refused to allow Dr Rowley and Dr Gonsalves, who were here attending the 2023 International Energy Conference and Expo, to check in through the VIP Lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

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This is unacceptable

9 replies

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American Airlines refuses VIP access to two Caribbean PMs (Rowley, Gonsalves) in Guyana (Original Post) malaise Feb 2023 OP

What? This seems blatantly racist but maybe there is more to the story? ratchiweenie Feb 2023 #1

If they are being treated differently from PMs from other countries then this is outrageous... hlthe2b Feb 2023 #2

If they were treated differently than the Exxon bosses or other American interests malaise Feb 2023 #3

True enough but the best argument to me to show their bias would be among other diplomats/PMs hlthe2b Feb 2023 #4

Are they members of Americans VIP Program, or do they think they are deserving of the perk bottomofthehill Feb 2023 #5

+1 CONN Feb 2023 #8

And we know they were refused VIP access because they're from Guyana? Chakaconcarne Feb 2023 #6

Neither is from Guyana - one is the PM of Trinidad and Tobago malaise Feb 2023 #7

Shameful. Their trip was even covered in advance in newspapers. Judi Lynn Feb 2023 #9

ratchiweenie

(7,754 posts)

1. What? This seems blatantly racist but maybe there is more to the story?

Reply to malaise (Original post)

Thu Feb 16, 2023, 08:22 AM

Feb 2023

hlthe2b

(102,276 posts)

2. If they are being treated differently from PMs from other countries then this is outrageous...

Reply to malaise (Original post)

Thu Feb 16, 2023, 08:23 AM

Feb 2023

I don't know what the policy is or has been but if a company is going to work internationally then this can't happen. AA is obviously big for South and Central America and Florida/Texas travel. But honestly, I've never gotten good service flying them, so I can't say I am surprised. YMMV.

malaise

(268,998 posts)

3. If they were treated differently than the Exxon bosses or other American interests

Reply to hlthe2b (Reply #2)

Thu Feb 16, 2023, 08:27 AM

Feb 2023

in Guyana (a CARICOM country) this is unacceptable.

hlthe2b

(102,276 posts)

4. True enough but the best argument to me to show their bias would be among other diplomats/PMs

Reply to malaise (Reply #3)

Thu Feb 16, 2023, 08:28 AM

Feb 2023

That is the clearest argument to show potential racial (or other) bias.

bottomofthehill

(8,329 posts)

5. Are they members of Americans VIP Program, or do they think they are deserving of the perk

Reply to malaise (Original post)

Thu Feb 16, 2023, 09:14 AM

Feb 2023

Of a private company by virtue of their election. What other free perks are private companies supposed to provide them. The Grenadines is a country with the land mass of the town of Lexington Massachusetts and half the population. There are about 18000 people. They could join the VIP club and have all of the benefits.

CONN

(272 posts)

8. +1

Reply to bottomofthehill (Reply #5)

Thu Feb 16, 2023, 10:40 AM

Feb 2023

Chakaconcarne

(2,453 posts)

6. And we know they were refused VIP access because they're from Guyana?

Reply to malaise (Original post)

Thu Feb 16, 2023, 10:24 AM

Feb 2023

Did Guyana pay for this service and is there some kind of statement from AA?

malaise

(268,998 posts)

7. Neither is from Guyana - one is the PM of Trinidad and Tobago

Reply to Chakaconcarne (Reply #6)

Thu Feb 16, 2023, 10:31 AM

Feb 2023

The other is the PM of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
This is about the security of Caribbean leaders.
If the effing US led neo-liberal crap wasn't imposed on us, our regional airlines would continue to extend these basic courtesies.
It's not like our leaders can afford state provided aircraft.

Judi Lynn

(160,530 posts)

9. Shameful. Their trip was even covered in advance in newspapers.

Reply to malaise (Original post)

Thu Feb 16, 2023, 04:56 PM

Feb 2023

Prime Ministers of St. Vincent, T&T part of high-level delegates for Energy Conference
By Editor On Feb 7, 2023

The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley are among the high-level officials coming to Guyana next week for the International Energy Conference and Expo.

This second annual conference will be hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, from February 14 to 17.

In addition to the Prime Ministers, the President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi and the former President of Colombia, Ivan Duque Marquez will be in attendance. They will be joined by Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who will deliver the event’s keynote address on Tuesday.

Other industry leaders and local and regional stakeholders are expected to present on various aspects of Guyana’s energy future during the week of events. Guyana’s Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is expected to lead talks on the country’s ambitious energy policy.

More:
https://newsroom.gy/2023/02/07/prime-ministers-of-st-vincent-tt-part-of-high-level-delegates-for-energy-conference/

There's no excuse for them. None.

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