Caribbean Airlines Drops Blue Waters After 15 Years — As Owner Dominic Hadeed Remains Detained

The Sudden Switch on Caribbean Airlines Flights

Passengers boarding Caribbean Airlines flights across the region have noticed a quiet but noticeable change in recent days. The familiar Blue Waters bottles that have accompanied travellers for more than fifteen years are no longer appearing on trays. In their place sits Dasani, supplied by Caribbean Bottlers Trinidad & Tobago Ltd, a Coca-Cola subsidiary. The state-owned carrier confirmed the move, describing it as a straightforward change in supplier after a competitive process.

Flight crews found themselves adjusting quickly last Wednesday, with some removing labels from existing stock and serving water in cups to keep service running smoothly. The decision, taken at board level under the chairmanship of Reyna Kowlessar, caught many off guard because no public tender had appeared on the airline's procurement portal beforehand.

Understanding the Financial Picture at CAL

Payment records shared with Guardian Media show that Caribbean Airlines spent roughly TT$460,000 on bottled water throughout 2024. Of that amount, approximately TT$264,000 went to Blue Waters invoices. These figures highlight how even a seemingly small item like in-flight water adds up for a regional carrier serving multiple islands.

A senior executive later explained that no exclusive long-term contract had been in place with Blue Waters. Purchases had been handled through individual requests over the years. In April 2026 the airline opened a Request for Proposals, inviting all local suppliers to submit offers. The process aimed to ensure value for money while supporting Trinidad and Tobago's wider economy.

The Detention of Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed

The timing of the supplier change has drawn attention because of the ongoing detention of Blue Waters founders Dominic and Genevieve Hadeed. Both remain held under Preventive Detention Orders linked to an investigation into an alleged conspiracy to murder Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. No criminal charges have been filed against them.

The couple's legal team has challenged the orders through judicial review, arguing that the measures are unconstitutional. Their attorneys continue to maintain that the Hadeeds are innocent and that the detention lacks proper foundation. This situation has left many in the business community watching closely, concerned about how such cases affect local enterprise and investor confidence.

Blue Waters' Place in Caribbean Trade

Blue Waters stands as Trinidad's leading bottled water brand and has built strong export links with Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada and Guyana. Its presence on every Caribbean Airlines route for more than fifteen years helped the product reach regional travellers and supported the company's growth across CARICOM markets.

The loss of the airline contract represents more than a simple change of bottle on a tray. It touches on questions of how state-owned companies balance cost considerations with support for home-grown brands that contribute to employment and foreign exchange earnings in the wider Caribbean.

Practical Effects on Crews and Travellers

Cabin crew members described the abrupt transition as challenging, especially on longer sectors where service routines had been built around the familiar Blue Waters packaging. Some flights saw staff pouring water directly into cups to avoid confusion among passengers who expected the usual brand.

Regular flyers from Trinidad and Tobago to other islands have begun asking questions about the change, particularly those who associate Blue Waters with home. While the water itself remains safe and clean, the shift has sparked small conversations in departure lounges about supporting local producers during difficult economic times.

Looking at Regional Aviation and Local Business

Caribbean Airlines plays a vital role connecting Trinidad and Tobago with sister islands, supporting tourism recovery and family ties across the region. Decisions made by the airline therefore carry weight beyond the cabin. They influence how other Caribbean nations view Trinidad's business environment and how local manufacturers plan for the future.

The episode also raises wider points about procurement transparency in state enterprises. When purchases move from long-standing arrangements to new suppliers, clear communication helps maintain trust among both staff and the travelling public. As the Request for Proposals process continues, many will watch to see how other local companies fare in future tenders.

Cost of living pressures remain real for families across Trinidad and Tobago, and every contract awarded locally can help sustain jobs in manufacturing and distribution. Blue Waters' export record to CARICOM partners shows how one Trinidad brand can strengthen regional ties while providing employment at home.

The coming months will reveal more about how the airline manages its supply chain and how the legal situation surrounding the Hadeeds develops. For now, the change in in-flight water serves as a reminder that even routine decisions in state-owned companies can touch on deeper questions of fairness, transparency and community support.