Tobago fears regional ferry plans will cripple island's cargo service

Tobago businesswoman Diane Hadad is demanding answers about the government's regional ferry plans, concerned that the initiative could jeopardize the island's already precarious cargo transportation.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recently pledged to offer a Trinidad and Tobago ferry for temporary inter-island cargo transport to help lower regional costs. This announcement followed a Caricom meeting in St. Lucia.

“

It is only in God we trust that it performs right.

However, Hadad, former head of the Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, voiced significant concerns. She highlighted the unreliability of Tobago's sole cargo vessel, the Blue Wave Harmony, stating, "It is only in God we trust that it performs right." She questioned whether any vessel could be reassigned without negatively impacting Tobago's transport needs, especially during peak periods when the Port Authority already struggles with increased sailings.

“

We only have one cargo vessel. When that cargo vessel goes down, we then rely on any one of the fast ferries that they allow us to put certain tonnage vehicles on, and that’s what brings the necessary items across. Other than that, we are crippled.

"We only have one cargo vessel," Hadad emphasized. "When that cargo vessel goes down, we then rely on any one of the fast ferries that they allow us to put certain tonnage vehicles on, and that’s what brings the necessary items across. Other than that, we are crippled."

Hadad remains unconvinced that the existing fleet possesses the capacity for a regional cargo service while still meeting Tobago's essential supply demands. She called for more information and communication with stakeholders, noting that while the Galleons Passage can carry cargo, passengers have reported issues with its performance in rough seas. The T&T Spirit is out of service, and the T&T Express's status is unclear.

“

I’m not sure what capacity we have to go up the islands and make food cheaper for anybody. I think a lot more information needs to be given so that we can make informed decisions. There has been no proper communication with the real stakeholders.