THA chief promises action to mitigate fallout from Galicia’s removal

The 13-year-old Galicia is the only vessel that transports cargo between Trinidad and Tobago daily, however since the charter contract expired, the vessel has been on a month-to-month contract with the port.

In a statement to the media yesterday, Charles said the THA will treat the issue as a “top priority” and will keep the public informed as the situation progresses.

“I do understand that there will be public concern,” Charles said.

“Measures are being put in place to treat with our cargo transport needs in the short term.” Charles said he has spoken with Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan who has indicated that interim plans are being made to ship bulk cargo to the island once the vessel is removed from the route. A stakeholders meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday to further discuss the issue.

Meanwhile, Minority Leader in the THA Watson Duke said his party, the Progressive Democratic Patriots, has been very vocal on the issue previously.

“We have been complaining incessantly for quite a while,” Duke said.

“We raised this issue publicly in the media, we raised it on the streets, we raised it with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, we raised it in the House and all we can say is at last the writing is on the wall. Now what will Tobago do come Good Friday? What will Tobago do?” In the interim, Duke said he is calling upon both the Central Government and the THA to meet immediately and deal with the issue with a level of urgency.

“It seems as though every time Tobago has a busy season, the cargo boat is not working and the passenger boat is not working. Why is it that every year we have to treat with this calamity? It is a question of management.

“We are tired of the bad management in Tobago. We are calling upon the THA, we are calling upon the central Government to ensure that the goods coming to Tobago after Good Friday is not hauled on any barge.

We do not want any barge. Let them hire a boat to conduct business in a dignified manner between Trinidad and Tobago.” Chairman of the Tobago Division of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Demi-John Cruickshank said the members of the Chamber are expected to meet today to discuss the way forward.

Political Leader of the Tobago Forwards Christlyn Moore could not be reached for comment.

Under the former People’s Partnership government, the Super- Fast Galicia began its inter-island cargo service on July 7, 2014 and $48 million was paid for an initial 12-month charter.