Government Explains Decision to End Ferry Services

Premier the Honourable Joseph Farrell has justified the government’s decision to cancel the ferry service.

Speaking on ZJB Radio, Premier Farrell said the ferry, MV Jayden Sun was costing the government more than 500,000 dollars per month, while it is hardly been used docked at Port Little Bay.

The ferry passenger service was suspended in March when the island’s borders were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since that time, the ferry is being used to transport cargo from Antigua twice weekly.

Premier Farrell stated that with the government facing a 22 million dollar budget deficit, the costs are hard to justify.

Premier the Honourable Joseph Farrell

Meantime, former Deputy Premier Delmaude Ryan does not believe the decision to end the ferry service is justified.

Former Deputy Premier Delmaude Ryan.

Meantime, Deputy Premier the Honourable Dr. Samuel Joseph says the ferry subsidy will be better spent on other sectors such as health and social services given that the ferry is not carrying passengers at this time and is still costing the government in excess of 500, 000 dollars per month.

Dr. Samuel Joseph.