The General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union is not happy that some former employees of LIAT 1974 Ltd chose to accept government payments.

In an EXCLUSIVE interview with Antigua.News on Thursday, Massiah said these individuals justified their decision by citing financial difficulties, stating that they were in desperate need of cash.

Despite his understanding of their circumstances, he feels uneasy about their choice, as it may impact their long-term benefits and support from the union.

Massiah met with some former workers recently. He is seeking an audience with Prime Minister Gaston Browne but conveyed a sense of skepticism about the likelihood of achieving this meeting.

He spoke to Shermain Bique-Charles:

Senator Massiah is also President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, serving from 2010 to 2016.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda announced that on January 2, this year, the first payment from the LIAT Employees Compassionate Payment Bond was sent to BDO Eastern Caribbean for distribution to qualified former LIAT employees.

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, this enables former LIAT staff based in Antigua to start receiving payments towards their severance.

The Compassionate Payment Bond, issued by the government, is a 10-year bond valued at $16.72 million with an annual interest rate of 2%.

This bond addresses Antigua and Barbuda’s 32% share of the severance owed to 405 former employees of LIAT (1974) Ltd, reflecting the country’s ownership stake in the regional airline.

The statement further emphasized that this bond showcases the government’s commitment to support former LIAT employees, providing some relief to those impacted by the airline’s closure.

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Dane Alexis Conroy David Massiah

Born on August 27, 1963, in Antigua, raised in All Saints Village, with education at All Saints Primary School and the Grammar School. Further studies in Labour and Economics at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus, followed by Business and Development at UWI St. Augustine. Labour Relations studied at Ruskin College in the UK.

Experience includes three years at the Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Station, followed by a role at the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union, eventually becoming General Secretary. Served as Chair of the Tourism Section of the International Transport Workers Federation and held the position of President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour from 2010 to 2016. Since 2004, serving as a UPP Senator representing the labor force. Family life includes a spouse and three children.