British Airways strike action

Planned industrial action by British Airways staff could have a devastating impact on the Caribbean’s tourism industry.

BA’s cabin crew announced yesterday they will stage two strikes – for a total of seven days – in the run-up to Easter in their dispute over changes to pay and working conditions.

The first stoppage is due to begin on Saturday March 20 and the second at the end of the month.

Regional officials say it would be a serious setback for the tourism industry which is starting to show signs of recovery after taking a battering in the wake of the global economic downturn.

Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlette told BBC Caribbean the action could not come at a worse time.

“There are reports BA is planning to schedule extra flights but if we are not included in those plans, the region will suffer tremendously as the Caribbean will lose the business coming out of Europe and Britain,” he said.

Haiti elections

Haitian President Rene Preval says he’s been advised that it is possible to hold presidential elections by December this year.

Speaking in Dominica where he was attending the Caricom leaders meeting President Preval said the Organisation of American States has assessed the situation in light of the devastating earth-quake and has recommended that the elections go ahead.

The elections are constitutionally due in November and there has been some debate over whether it’s practical to hold the polls this year.