Head of the Access Division Ashley Lindsay said Friday morning they are currently without an operating ferry.
Speaking to Basil Chambers on the ZJB Breakfast Show, Lindsay said the MV Lovely 1 had been engaged by the MV Jaden Sun to provide ferry service while it undergoes maintenance. However, the MV Lovely is still in Trinidad and there is no time frame for arrival.
The access official apologised for the issue, stating that travellers will be accommodated via airplane service on Fly Montserrat and SVG Air.
He said he has been unable to reach the Jaden Sun captain, to find out what other options will be put in place to service the island as per their contractual agreement.
The government recently announced, that the ferry service contract with the Jaden Sun had been extended for an additional year until September 2018.
Lindsay said it was unfortunate the timing, as it is a peak travel season for people returning and heading home for school. They will also be unable to handle cargo without ferry service.
The Jaden Sun is currently on dry dock in St Vincent & the Grenadines for maintenance. The decision was taken to do an extended maintenance after it developed engine problems.
Lindsay assured the public that travellers will be accommodated and if he is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Travel Details
Customers are asked to check in as early as possible when traveling from Antigua to Montserrat as there are limited flights available after midday.
Cargo services between Antigua and Montserrat will be suspended until the ferry resumes operation, however, persons with urgent cargo requirements, should contact the Access Division at (664) 491- 4702/4703 or 496-6229.
Ferry Agent in Antigua is Jenny Tours and can be contacted at (268) 778-9786 or via email at jennyvb@hotmail.co.uk.
Ferry Agent in Montserrat is Jemmotte Shipping and can be contacted at (664) 496-9912 or 392-9912 or via email at jemmotter@candw.ms.
