Who is telling ‘ferry tales’ about dilemma?

Who is telling tales? Former Port Authority (PATT ) board member and proclaimed People’s National Movement stalwart Ferdie Ferreira has laid the blame for the ferry dilemma at the feet of Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan.

Ferreira says the board had no powers with regard to the contractual agreements of the Super Fast Galicia cargo vessel.

The minister has since declared that the contractual arrangements for the Galicia were made before his time.

There are questions regarding why such a critical means of trade and commerce would be at the mercy of a month-to-month contract since April 30, 2016.

What is also curious is the Cabinet approving a 36-month lease for a new ferry cargo vessel. There have not been any complaints about the Galicia’s capacity and functionality from its end users or the Tobago Chamber of Commerce.

Added to these circumstances is the statement from Sinanan that the current provider was not interested in an 18-month contract. The minister however did not speak to offering the provider the 36-month contract approved by the Cabinet. While the public understands that the five-year request may have been too long, where is the relevance and consistency in offering the provider 18 months as opposed to 36 months? The Opposition has launched questions at the Government about the resignation of the PATT Board.

Secondly, the Opposition asked for a response on an accusation that former chairman Christine Sahadeo “blocked” any agreement on the matter. The minister had no information on the accusation.

Tobago House of Assembly Minority Leader Watson Duke has also given his perspective on the dilemma. His view is that the situation is a result of incompetence by central government and believes Tobago should own its own vessel to avoid Trinidad determining Tobago’s economic trade abilities.

The Tobago Chamber has also stated its disapproval with the way this inter-island ferry service is being handled, especially in the current circumstances of economic decline. The Chamber says this could mean the difference between Tobago businessmen staying in business or closing their doors.

The ferry service has been a contentious issue for some time in the media and therefore it has become a football with no conclusive direction.

Citizens need to know the truth about this dilemma and not have to try deciphering who is telling ferry tales.

Ronald Huggins St Joseph