Antigua’s airport began spiraling out of control immediately following the breakdown in relations in ABAA, and the sudden departure of its three successive CEOs, from 2019 to date. Filling the post with Accounting trained personnel and other square pegs did not work, and politics decided to keep the post unfulfilled, so the center of aviation did not hold.
For the past five years, serious aviators at the island’s main airport have watched the high standards held for many years, transition into utter abandonment of Rules, Regulations & Transparency, the three pillars of Aviation.
Personal opinions replaced ICAO direction, and deterioration of the relationship with stakeholders caused disrespect to replace civility in the operation of the airport.
The Government in a state desperation has been struggling to find management as junior unqualified officers have held positions above their experience and certification. Even regional engagements have failed miserably, thereby throwing the rule-oriented aviation industry into further chaos.
Finally, loss of Category 1 classification for Antigua and the OECS and the impending ICAO Audit 2026 forced the Government to bite the bullet and seek international assistance.
The engagement of an Antiguan owned company of Atlanta, well respected in the international aviation arena, with its President, among his many aviation accomplishments, having held office internationally with responsibilities for the Caribbean & Latin America.
A man of this stature has his international reputation to consider when he works for small island governments like ours, who operate by ‘sovereignty,’ and minus the parameters of integrity. This therefore questions the 90 day contract entered into with this company in Atlanta, with its Antiguan President acting in the capacity of Interim CEO, ABAA.
He must know by now, with half his time gone, that 90 days is not adequate for the job at hand. If his US office was not compounded by ‘patriotism’ which he is known for, business sense would have compelled them to refuse. Our government disrespected both him and ABAA, as they often do to their own, burdening his capabilities, by forcing him to work against time.
VCBIA cannot be fixed in 90 days!