Proposal for Ferry Schedule to be discussed

~~Adz:Right~~ ROADTOWN, Tortola- A master draft proposal for all ferries travelling between the Virgin Islands (UK & U.S.) has been created following a series of meetings designed to achieve that objective.

A joint working group was established between the BVI and USVI Ports Authority to review ferry operations between the two Territories and several meetings were held, the most recent being on July 29 to address and rectify the scheduling problems.

The proposed schedule will be used to brief the Minister for Communications and Works the Honourable Julian Fraser, R.A. and administrators from the United States Virgin Islands (USVI).

Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Mrs. Myrna Ferdinand said, “the meetings were successful and we are looking forward to the completion of the schedule and finding the best solution for all parties involved, while at the same time providing the public with a schedule that is reliable.

“A meeting will be held in the USVI with all ferry owners to discuss the proposed schedule.  After consulting with the ferry owners, both jurisdictions will work together to finalise the schedule,” Mrs. Ferdinand added.

The BVI Ports Authority was represented at the July 29 meeting by Managing Director Mr. V. Victor O’Neal, Deputy Managing Director Mr. Gene Creque and Marine and Security Manager Mr. Sean Durrant.  The US Virgin Islands Ports Authority was represented by Property Manager Ms. Denise M. Mills and Marine Manager Ms. Maria Walters.  Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works Mrs. Myrna Ferdinand represented the ministry.

Government is committed to modernising the marine transportation system and making it more effective by introducing tighter marine transportation regulations.