Decision soon on Tobago ferry

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan on Friday said Government will soon make a decision on a passenger ferry to service the domestic seabridge. Sinanan reiterated that no contract has been signed for the Ocean Flower Two vessel, which is in TT.

Responding to a question in the House of Representatives, Sinanan said, “The Government is making satisfactory progress in the search for a passenger vessel for the TT seabridge.”

He added, “A statement will be made shortly by the Cabinet.”

Sinanan reminded MPs that even though the ministry had a contract for the Ocean Flower Two, it was cancelled on August 8. As a result, Sinanan said there is no agreement for the use of this vessel on the seabridge.

The seabridge, he said, is being serviced by the TT Express and the Cabo Star cargo vessel, and the water taxi service will be used in the event of excess passenger requirements.

Later in the sitting on a trade motion, Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial said the removal of duties on certain imports for hotels would not help the tourism sector if air and sea transport between Trinidad and Tobago is deficient.

Ramdial was cautioned several times by Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George after government MPs complained she was introducing issues which had nothing to do with the motion.