Transport Minister Devant Maharaj said Thursday cabinet has approved the plan for the service, which will strengthen ties among Caricom countries as well as expand free movement and capital under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Maharaj was speaking at the post cabinet media briefing. He said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar suggested the inter-island ferry service at a Caricom Meeting in July.
Maharaj was speaking at the post cabinet media briefing. He said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar suggested the inter-island ferry service at a Caricom Meeting in July.
The leaders of St Lucia and Guyana supported the idea, Maharaj said, noting that they both indicated that regional development cannot be successful without an efficient transportation network.
Maharaj added, "The inter-island ferry will signal tremendous economic benefit for Trinidad and Tobago as well as the rest of the Caribbean. It is the view of the Ministry of Transport that the establishment of the inter-island ferry be undertaken through a public-private sector."
He said the contract will be subject to a Request for Proposal (RFP) which will be available through media ads in the coming week.
"Expressions of interest prior to the RFP from several persons indicate that the prices will be very competitive. We are looking perhaps at about US$10 to jump on an inter island ferry from Trinidad to go up the Caribbean. The vessels that have been linked to these proposals right now promise to be substantially larger than what we have," he said.
Maharaj also commented on the current ferry service between Trinidad and Tobago. He confirmed that the vessel MV Saloos has made its first sailing to Tobago with a full shipment of cargo.
"The MV Saloos will be on lease for 20 days during which time food, construction material and other goods and services will go to Tobago alongside the Express. So alleviating any inconvenience as a result of the dry-docking of the Warrior Spirit," the minister said.
He said the contract will be subject to a Request for Proposal (RFP) which will be available through media ads in the coming week.
"Expressions of interest prior to the RFP from several persons indicate that the prices will be very competitive. We are looking perhaps at about US$10 to jump on an inter island ferry from Trinidad to go up the Caribbean. The vessels that have been linked to these proposals right now promise to be substantially larger than what we have," he said.
Maharaj also commented on the current ferry service between Trinidad and Tobago. He confirmed that the vessel MV Saloos has made its first sailing to Tobago with a full shipment of cargo.
"The MV Saloos will be on lease for 20 days during which time food, construction material and other goods and services will go to Tobago alongside the Express. So alleviating any inconvenience as a result of the dry-docking of the Warrior Spirit," the minister said.
1 comment:
You are using my photo of the ferries without permission and without linking it to its source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifelover4/5869447972/
Please link to included url, pay fees or remove.
Thanks, Hugh Stickney
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