Super Fast sailing for Easter

After providing this answer to a question in the Senate, Sinanan stated that in March, Cabinet gave the Port Authority the approval, “to initiate the process for the charter of a vessel for three years.” He said this process should be completed by the end of May and the Authority will also, “ begin the process for the purchase of a new built cargo vessel to ensure that the inter-island cargo ferry needs are not jeopardised in this manner in the future.” Sinanan said the ministry was advised by letter dated March 28 by Inter- Continental Shipping Ltd that the Galicia was being removed from local service. He said the ministry received that letter on March 31.

Sinanan said in discussions with the charter last December and in January, the duration of the contract for the Galicia was changed from 18 months to five years.

“The Government was not willing to enter into any five-year contract until we recognise the need for the cargo vessel that will service the Tobago route in a very efficient and cost effective manner,” Sinanan declared. The minister dismissed claims from Opposition Senator Wade Mark that former Port Authority chairman Christine Sahadeo attempted to block the renewal of the Galicia’s contract.

“ I have no information of the former chairperson of the port blocking any agreement with anybody,” Sinanan said. In March, Sahadeo and other members of the Port Authority’s board resigned.

At that time, Sinanan said, ““We have appointed a new board. The entire board had resigned. They were not fired. There is no crisis.” Sinanan and Attorney General Faris Al Rawi said there was no issue of dissent between board members. Al Rawi said the resignation of the other board members was appropriate, “lest there could have been perceived to have been something by way off stand-off.”