St Maarten, - Winair through its Managing Director, Edwin Hodge has announced that effective October 16 a new handling agent has been appointed for its operations in Antigua and Barbuda. Hodge made this disclosure earlier today here he pointed out that on 15th September notice was given to Port Services Limited that their contract would not be renewed and as such their relationship with Winair would come to an end on October 16th, 2009.
As such, Hodge said that he is alarmed, surprised, and disappointed with the allegations that the company’s (Port Service Limited) owner and CEO, Makeida Miekal has been disseminating to the public. “We had informed Miekal a month ago that after her contract would have ended that we were not going to renew it and therefore I see her actions as being unprofessional and a clear case of deliberately misleading the public,” Hodge said.
The Winair MD has admitted that while Miekal has sought to air her grievances and differences in the public he will not take simple actions noting that he still considers the issue a private one. He however admitted that a decision was taken to renew the contract, which was first inked in June 2005 because of a number of unprofessional situations and incidences. He said that he will not divulge the reasons for his company’s decision but stressed that it was a well-informed and supported decision.
He disclosed that Caribbean Airport Services Limited have now secured the new contract in handling the company’s business in Antigua and Barbuda noting that the company will be temporally occupying one of Liat’s counters. “we would be temporally occupying one of Liat’s counters but the public should note that this counter issue will be resolve very quickly as we seek to enhance and strengthen the level of service that we offer here in Antigua and Barbuda,” Hodge declared.
He declared that while the company would be temporally using Liat’s counter they should note that Winair’s sign would be fully visible adding that details regarding contact numbers among other things will be disseminated in a timely and professional manner. “Please note that there is no need to be alarmed as we will ensure that an increased level and standard of service is offered here to you our customers in Antigua and Barbuda,” the MD promised.
He has also sought to dismiss what he termed as a campaign of mischief being orchestrated by Miekal in an attempt to bring the company in disrepute over her failure to continue the contract she once enjoyed.
