Gov’t in talks with private ferry operators over new regional route

The government is looking to establish a consistent commercial ferry service. (Pixabay)

The government is in discussions with private ferry operators about the potential for a new northeast Caribbean route that will include Montserrat.

Premier Reuben Meade announced the development at the United Alliance town hall meeting in Salem on 10 January, revealing that a suitable vessel has been identified for the service.

“It’s already SOLAS certified, it does 28 knots, it carries 200 passengers, its twin hulled. We’ve seen the pictures of it,” he said.

“One of my colleagues have gone to look at the vessel personally, and he has endorsed it.”

Meade told attendees that, if the plan moves ahead, the ferry will not only run between Montserrat and Antigua, but will instead serve as a regional service.

“So let’s take the example, Antigua, St Kitts, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, St Kitts, Antigua,” he said.

“On other days, Antigua, Montserrat, St Kitts, St Martin, and coming back, you go, St Martin, St Kitts, Antigua, Montserrat, right?

“So Montserrat gets into that loop without us having to pay that huge subsidy. Okay, because Ingrid [Buffonge] may need that money for for medical things, so we have to look at priorities.”

Meade said he will not repeat past mistakes by specifying exactly when the new route is likely to launch.

“All I’m going to say is that we are having those discussions currently, and I’m heading to Antigua tomorrow [11 January], so I’ll get an update on what’s happening on it.”

News Team