Although all alternatives for an ‘optimal’ ferry service are currently being explored, according to Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith, no ferries or boats are being engaged at this point to alleviate the travelling woes of the public as was previously indicated. Photo: VINO/File

The Premier, along with, the Works Minister, met with ferry operators in July to ascertain the needs of the traveling public who use the ferry services and to discuss strategies for improving services to and from the Territory. Photo: GIS

Hon. Vanterpool announced during a press conference held on July 23, 2013 that Government is not seeking to bring in another ferry service to the Virgin Islands but rather, is looking at attracting better ferry boats to the Territory which will see improved service between St Thomas and the Virgin Islands by November 1, 2013. Photo: VINO

Government is looking at all the alternatives that are possible to provide the ferry service that is optimal for the British Virgin Islands, Dr Smith expressed during the press conference held yesterday. Photo: VINO

In response to a question posed at a press briefing yesterday, September 18, 2013 about challenges experienced by ferry operators and government’s previous indication of leasing ferries, Dr Smith said, “The Government is not hiring any ferries or boats at this point in time so there is no question about who will manage, because we’re not engaged in hiring at this point in time.”

This is in apparent contrast to a previous statement made by Works Minister Hon. Mark H. Vanterpool who reportedly expressed that two or three ferries would be leased in time for the upcoming winter season.

Hon. Vanterpool announced during a press conference held on July 23, 2013 that Government is not seeking to bring in another ferry service to the Virgin Islands but rather, is looking at attracting better ferry boats to the Territory which will see improved service between St Thomas and the Virgin Islands by November 1, 2013.

"I am therefore pleased to announce, at this time, that Government has stepped in and will be facilitating the lease of two or three ferries in time for the upcoming winter tourist season this year," Minister Vanterpool stated.

“We are looking at all the alternatives that are possible to provide the ferry service that is optimal for the British Virgin Islands,” Dr Smith expressed during the press conference held yesterday.

The Premier, along with the Works Minister, met with ferry operators in July to ascertain the needs of the traveling public that use the ferry services and to discuss strategies for improving services to and from the Territory.

During his Territorial Address given on July 5, 2013, Premier Smith stated, “As a Government we have a responsibility to the public and have engaged the operators to determine how best to help them provide more efficient services.”