BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Monday February 24, 2020 – Government is presently exploring possibilities for investment to establish a ferry system to move people and cargo from coast to coast and throughout the island chain.
Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy Kirk Humphrey recently shared his vision to move cargo from Oistins in Christ Church all the way to the north of the island, as he also spoke about his desire to see service expand even further.
“We have now an expression of interest out to encourage those who have the wherewithal to help us build out those jetties from the north all the way to the south and move cargo along the coastline, and also think bigger, and move between the islands,” he said.
He added that Government had determined that there was need for a “nicely built and stabilized” ferry that could move great containers and people.
Humphrey noted that lessons learnt from the aftermath of past disasters indicated that getting food into the island chain was almost impossible.
“The Caribbean should not be in a position where it is waiting on someone to come and save us. That is why it is necessary to have the ferries,” he said, making reference to the difficulties experienced in getting planes into Dominica after the passage of Hurricane Maria.
Minister Humphrey also pointed out that investing in ferries would also benefit the country, as the costs could be “recouped” in shipping, and assist with reducing export costs.
