In an environment of soaring air fares a Trinidadian entrepeneur has taken up the challenge of providing affordable inter island transport.
Now, preparations for ambitious replacement, spearheaded by head of the Port of Spain ship agents Global Steamship Agencies, George James, appears to be going full steam ahead.
Word from James is that the 2 558-tonne steel hulled Canadian-built ferry was due in Trinidad this month to start the service.
The “Caribbean Rose”, as it is called, has been refurbished including installing more cabins in Canada after it was decommissioned from its run among ports in Eastern Canadian provinces. It can carry 300 passengers, both in cabins and seating arrangements. There is also room for 55 vehicles and 400 tonnes of general cargo. Cabin charges per person per night will probably be in the vicinity of US$10 to $15. Meals will be available from an onboard cafeteria. Passages between the islands would be made mainly at night.
James is confident the venture will succeed. Among the reasons is the “skyrocketing cost” of regional air travel.
He also feels the time has come for regional people to once again experience the “unique, exciting experience” of sea travel among the islands.
According to the stories the “Caribbean Rose” will run between Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vicnent, Trinidad, Margarita, Venezuela and possibly Dominica. Mr. James has already identified shipping agents in the targetted territories.
Mr. James says that he is trying to reduce the “red tape” involved in getting person to bring their car along for their visit. We on the margin wish him well and hope that the powers that be don’t suddenly devise a new departure tax at the sea port!
Marginal
**UPDATE**
It has now been more than six months since we posted this article and the Caribbean Rose is yet to put in an appearance (at least in Barbados)
Marginal
To tell you the truth, I wish it all the luck in the World. However I suspect that its fate will be just like those before it. One of the biggest problems with these ferries is the traficking of illegal drugs. I am sure the drug boys are rubbing their hands with glee!
Comment by Anonymous — August 16, 2007 @ 1:24 pm
[...] is concerned about the “sloppy service” of LIAT, a main regional carrier, while Notes from the Margin says: “In an environment of soaring air fares a Trinidadian entrepeneur has taken up the [...]
Pingback by Global Voices Online » Barbados, St. Vincent: Sloppy Service from LIAT — August 17, 2007 @ 2:19 pm
IT’S A VERY WONDERFULL PLEASURE IN KNOWING THAT SOMEONE HAS COME TO THE RESCUE OF THE CARIBBEAN PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF. FOR SO LONG I HAVE WANTED TO SEE A FERRY REPLACE THE MV WINDWARD SO THAT I CAN HAVE MY WEEKEND PLEASURE TRAVELING TO CARIBBEAN ONCE MORE.SO MANNY OF US HERE IN B’DOS JUST CAN’T WAIT TO SERVICE IT STARTED PLEASE HURRY.
Comment by HARTLEY — September 27, 2007 @ 8:10 pm
You are so lucky to have your newly refurbished ferry skippered by Captain Kim Smith, of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, He’s one of the best, focussed skippers along our iron-bound coast, and a full-rigged ship master to boot. He’ll get you where you want to go come hell or high water under any conditions!
Richard(Dick)Tice
Wolfville, NS, Canada
Comment by Dick Tice — December 6, 2007 @ 4:44 pm
I speak for many people when I say “M.V. Windward” is sorely missed. Pity “Windward 11″ never got to sail. I wish “M.V. Caribbean Rose” many years of successful service. God knows we need a ferry for the Southern Caribbean.
Comment by Geoffrey — January 9, 2008 @ 2:45 am
Looks like an amazing ship, however I would sadly have to agree with the trafficing comment above. I hope they have some decent security. I dont know why ships dont have the same security as planes to be honest
Comment by ferry ticket — February 25, 2008 @ 12:35 pm
Well I am visiting my grandmothers native home of Barbados in July and would love to take her to Trinidad on this Ferry as she has family there. Hope to know more information soon. And good luck and God Bless the beautiful “Carribean Rose” and all those who have come together to make this so needed service available for the community and all in need!!!!
As far as illegal drugs are concerned I am sure there is a fair amount in each island and if people want to traffic drugs there are several ways to do it not just a Ferry. It seems to me that you would just have to make strict regulations have someone check bags just as you would at Disneyland or in an airport. Have a trained dog that can smell them and that would probably keep anyone from trying but what ever you do….do not punish everyone else that would benefit from this great service for something that could be handled so easily. You would just have to monitor it the same way you have to monitor anything else it should be no different from a plane or Disneyland :0) Good Luck “Carribean Rose”
Comment by Misty — March 21, 2008 @ 4:32 am
I’m sitting here looking at the Caribbean Rose in the bay here in Port of Spain. I have a very nice view from the new Hyatt. There appears to be very little activity with the Caribbean Rose. The lights are off at night and nothing seems to be going on. It would be nice if this ferry could get going.
Comment by Mike — May 22, 2008 @ 11:42 am
Is there any more news on the Caribbean Rose. I would like to know how it made out as I was on her when she was brought down to Port of Spain. Needed a lot of work before it went in service but seems like a worthwhile investment.
Comment by Bill — June 21, 2008 @ 8:43 am