Antigua and Barbuda Government Clarifies LIAT20 Ownership

In a recent post-Cabinet press briefing, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has emphatically denied any involvement of Allen Onyema, the investor and CEO of Air Peace Nigeria, with LIAT20. This clarification comes in the wake of recent speculation and misinformation regarding the airline’s ownership structure.

Ambassador Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, addressed the matter, reiterating a statement previously issued by LIAT (2020) Limited. “Allen Onyema holds no shares or directorship, neither is he involved in Air Peace Caribbean Limited (APCL) or LIAT (2020) Ltd,” Hurst stated.

The government’s statement comes at a time when Onyema has found himself embroiled in legal troubles in the United States, facing alleged charges of obstruction of justice. However, Hurst was quick to emphasize that these issues have no bearing on LIAT20’s operations or ownership.

Providing further clarity on the airline’s structure, Hurst confirmed that the shareholding in the regional carrier is divided between APCL, which holds 70 percent, and the government of Antigua and Barbuda, which retains 30 percent. While he refrained from naming the directors of APCL, Hurst unequivocally stated that Onyema is not affiliated with either LIAT20 or APCL.

“The director of Air Peace 2020 is not Onyema. He is not involved directly in ownership of Air Peace Caribbean Ltd, that much I can tell you,” Hurst affirmed. He went on to criticize recent reports suggesting otherwise, describing them as “naughty” and misleading.

Hurst took the opportunity to distinguish the current LIAT20 from its predecessor, emphasizing, “It’s a new LIAT – it’s a LIAT 2020.” He underscored the vital role the airline plays in intra-regional travel, stating that without LIAT20, “the Caribbean region is not connected.”

In its own statement, LIAT20 disclosed that the airline is incorporated under the laws of Antigua and Barbuda. It operates as a joint venture between the government of Antigua and Barbuda and Air Peace Caribbean Limited (APCL), another local company incorporated under the country’s laws.

As the government continues to support LIAT20’s operations, it remains committed to providing essential air connectivity within the Caribbean region. The clarification of the airline’s ownership structure appears aimed at dispelling any doubts and reinforcing public confidence in the revitalized carrier.