MV Carib Queen owner calls for level playing field

By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A distressed ferry operator is at his wit’s end and is making yet another appeal to the powers that be to “level the playing field” and regularise the ferry schedule by which all operators are to abide.
 
Earl Francis, who owns the MV Carib Queen with his brother, Rawle Richards, spoke with SKNVibes last Wednesday and explained that since the vessel was purchased from the government four years ago, situations have arisen that have lent themselves to some persons receiving preferential treatment.
 
Francis explained that there are presently three companies operating one ferry between St. Kitts and Nevis and another that operates two vessels between the islands
 
This, Francis explained, is “totally unfair” as it presents a “clear advantage” to the company that operates two companies between the islands.
 
“For four years now we have been lobbying the government, from whom we bought the vessel, to regulate the ferry schedule and give us a fair and level playing field so that we can operate and have to pay for our vessel. This has never been done! The Minister, Mr. Asim Martin, has allowed other operators to use two vessels as opposed to others who have one.  ~~Adz:Right~~

“The current schedule that we are running is a schedule that we were told to try for three months and this was done with the assistance of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Since the three months, we have been calling for a meeting with Mr. Asim Martin on a monthly basis and all we were told is that a meeting will come. It never came and tomorrow (Thursday) will make about two years since this schedule has been tried and tested and we are still running it. As far as I am concerned it is null and void.”
 
The MV Carib Queen’s captain told SKNVIbes that the current situation has impacted considerably on himself, his family as well as his brother and his family and has caused much stress.
 
“It has an impact on us where we cannot make any money. We’re not even paying out mortgage on our boat. It’s hitting us very hard, especially with the high cost of fuel.  It’s really really hard.  Things were bad before but with the rising cost of fuel, it has exacerbated the problem.”
 
According to information received by this media house, with the monthly insurance, the escalating price of fuel, the Port Authority fees, wages for the vessel’s crew, social security, maintenance and others expenses, the cost of maintaining such a vessel could run into the tens of thousands.
 
Francis expressed that he has spoken to a number of prominent individuals who “agree” that the current situation is unfair, but he maintains that none seem to be willing to lend a helping hand in levelling the playing field.

“There is preferential treatment and I am asking for a level playing field. I am calling on the authorities to level the playing field because we all have to pay for out boats. Some people should not experience the sweet and others experience the bitter; all should get a taste of both.”

He indicated that owing to the current schedule which makes way for one company to operate two vessels and the others one, there are times when just about 20 passengers would be transported across the waters during a round trip between St. Kitts and Nevis. Adding to his argument, Francis said from that trip, he would make $500 which cannot offset the minimum cost of $980 (fuel) that he incurs.

“I am again calling on the powers that be to level the playing field so that all would taste both the bitter and the sweet.”