Former LIAT CEO consults attorney after firing

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – WITHIN three days of his departure from the company, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LIAT (1974) Ltd. Mark Darby has decided to consult a lawyer to redress his seemingly unjust dismissal.

Darby was informed on Tuesday (Apr. 21) that his service had reached the “conclusion of the Company's contractual relationship”. However, Darby, who joined the company in July 2006, said that the three-year contract is expected to end this June. He added that he was dismissed due to merit payments made to some of the airline’s employees.

According to Caribbean 360, Darby’s attorney, Dane Hamilton QC, indicated that his client’s dismissal was uncalled for, as Darby was never given guidelines by the Board other than those stated in his contract of employment—which allowed him “to exercise such powers in relation to the company and its business as compared with the norms and practices of the airline industry”.

Hamilton further said that his client’s decision was categorised as “a grave misconduct and wilful neglect as the payments have been made unilaterally and unauthorized by the Board”. It was noted that the former CEO had not been given the chance to explain his move before being removed from office. 

In a press release issued April 24, Darby’s attorney attempted to explain the reason behind his client’s “unauthorized” decision. Hamilton said the merit payments were selectively awarded for the outstanding performance of employees at LIAT in order to “uplift the standard of performance of the company”. 

Hamilton stressed that Darby never personally benefited from the payments and, since given the position, Darby had worked tirelessly to ensure the continued success of the regional carrier. 

Although Darby’s attorney refused to state whether legal action would be taken against the airline, he said that his client would continue to consider the situation. 

LIAT Board Member Brian Challenger is currently serving as the interim-CEO until a suitable replacement is found for Darby.