Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne is urging leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to move ahead with plans to establish a regional airline to improve travel and trade between member states.

Browne made the call while addressing the opening ceremony of the 78th Meeting of the OECS Authority in Antigua and Barbuda on June 21.

As incoming chairman of the regional bloc, he said reliable air connectivity is critical to deeper integration across the sub-region.

“A region that cannot move its people efficiently and effectively cannot integrate commercially,” Browne said. “I want my colleague heads to understand the importance of having a reliable airline so that we can move people and even goods within the sub-region and beyond.”

The prime minister said there are still some “low-level individuals” within regional administrations who oppose the creation of an OECS airline, but he called on leaders to make a decision based on what is in the best interest of the people.

“There should be no more hesitation in acting for what we know is right. This should be a decision of the heads,” Browne said.

He argued that Caribbean leaders in previous generations created institutions that continue to serve the region, and said current leaders must show similar ambition.

“Why can’t we, in the 21st century, with far more resources, establish a sustainable airline OECS for the benefit of OECS people and the Caribbean region in general?” he said.

The prime minister highlighted if this effort becomes a reality, it can inspire leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to follow in their footsteps.

Browne suggested that financing could come from sources including unclaimed deposits held by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and funding support from the European Union’s Interreg programme.

“I’m told that we have about US$50 million in unclaimed deposits,” he said, adding that funds that have remained untouched for decades could be invested for regional development.

Browne has been a vocal supporter of improving regional air travel for years. His administration has introduced measures aimed at reducing the cost of intra-regional travel, including lower taxes on regional flights during peak travel periods.

Antigua and Barbuda has also invested in efforts to revive LIAT through a partnership with Nigerian carrier Air Peace. Antigua currently holds a 30 per cent stake in the airline, while Air Peace owns 70 per cent.