TT Chamber on Tobago ferry service

As such, it expressed hope that, “The authorities responsible for facilitating these services will urgently and publicly address alternative plans to effectively transfer goods, services and people between the islands.” The chamber also said the Galicia’s withdrawal, “Comes as no surprise to us”, because since December 1, “It had been well documented that the vessel was scheduled to operate on a route in the Mediterranean in May 2017.” The chamber’s comments follow recent statements by Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan that while negotiations with International Shipping have not been going well, he was surprised the company gave two weeks’ notice, rather than 30 days, of its intention to withdraw the Galicia from service effective April 14.

“At that time,” a chamber release stated, “All assurances were given that provisions for appropriate and effective sea transport would be established. (Sinanan) clearly articulated that he appreciated the value of the cargo services of the Superfast Galicia and the ferry services of the TnT Spirit and Express to the people and to business in Tobago.

He also indicated that he would ensure that there would be no inconvenience on his watch.”Speaking yesterday, Sinanan assured that interim plans are being put in place to transport bulk cargo to Tobago from April 15, while the long term plan is to purchase a cargo ship that would be dedicated to the Inter-Island route. Sinanan is scheduled to discuss all of this with stakeholders, including with officials from the Tobago House of Assembly, at a meeting tomorrow