CAL launches full audit as Medera resignation finally confirmed

Oct 14, 2025 News

Trinidad Express - Caribbean Airlines says it will be conducting "full and thorough audits" of all of its departments and processes to strengthen "governance, safety, and accountability," as it officially announced the resignation of Garvin Medera as its chief executive officer.

The Express exclusively reported Medera's resignation in our October 3 publication.

The airline in a release issued today added that chief operating officer Nirmala Ramai has been appointed acting CEO.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank all the employees of Caribbean Airlines who have done such a fantastic job over the past few years, facing some very difficult challenges and being their best, time and again, for each other and our passengers. Also, thanks to partners for their support and commitment and customers for their trust and loyalty. I wish everyone well" Medera stated.

Caribbean Airlines said that under the guidance of its board, Ramai will work closely with the senior leadership team to support the airline through this transition.

The airline stated that it will continue to operate its full schedule, with no disruption to customers or partners.

"The Board of Directors emphasises that this leadership transition comes at an important time for the airline and is part of its ongoing focus on stability, safety and accountability.

As part of this transition, the Board and Senior Leadership Team will be focusing on the following five key initiatives:

*Supporting employees and stakeholders with open communication and care.

* Reviewing operations to increase efficiency and modernisation.

* Enhancing the customer experience with improved services.

* Developing a long-term, financially responsible and sustainable growth plan.

* Conducting full and thorough audits of all departments and processes, to strengthen governance, safety, and accountability," it stated.

Caribbean Airlines also reaffirmed its commitment to developing and promoting talent from within the organisation, before seeking external candidates, to provide employees with clear opportunities for growth and career advancement.

"Caribbean Airlines will continue to serve the region with pride, reliability and a steadfast commitment to safety. The Board of Directors remains committed to open and timely communication with employees, customers and stakeholders as this leadership transition and strategic plan are implemented," it stated.

While referencing its leadership team in the release, Caribbean Airlines did not mention the recent resignation of three other members of its executive team.

Chief financial officer Varuna Kuarsingh, chief commercial officer Martin Aeberli, and Nalini Lalla, who has been the airline's corporate secretary for over a decade, have all resigned, several sources with knowledge of the situation but who are not authorised to comment publicly told the Sunday Express.

Since the United National Congress' (UNC) general election victory on April 28, there have been major shifts in both Caribbean Airlines' board and leadership team.

Reyna Kowlessar was appointed chairman of a restructured board on June 24, replacing Shameer "Ronnie" Mohammed, who resigned following the general election.

Mohammed had been on the board since November 2016.

The other members of the Caribbean Airlines board are vice-chairman Videsh Praim, Sharlene Maharaj, Prof Selwyn Cudjoe, Amit Krishan Mahabir, Larren Peart, Alicia Edwards and Adam Moss, according to the airline's website.

Sources have raised concerns that the board seems to be operating like an executive board, in contravention of the Finance Ministry's State Enterprise Performance Monitoring Manual.