Port-of-Spain: It will cost US$12 million to start the fast ferry service between Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean and the government says it is now one step closer to making that a reality as a company has been selected to deliver the service to at least four Caribbean islands.
Transport Minister Devant Maharaj said Caribbean nationals could pay as little at US$25 for the trip.
The Cabinet today approved a recommendation from an evaluation committee for Fast Caribbean Limited, based out of Barbados to be the provider of the regional service sailing to Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia and Barbados from Trinidad and Tobago.
Minister Maharaj assured that the private consortium would foot the cost of the operation, which would be based in this country.
The Caribbean fast ferry, which has been on Caricom's table since 2005, will not only offer passenger service, but will allow Caricom nationals to carry their vehicles and also freight and goods between countries.
The government hopes the service which will leave Port-of-Spain at 6 am and arrive at its final destination in Barbados at 6pm, will assist in opening up travel and trade within the region.
Minister Maharaj says there is a proposal on the table to offer 100,000 seats each year at a reduced rate of US$10, but those edetails will have to be finalised at a later date.
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