Grocery shelves are starting to look bare, and construction supplies are unavailable, all because the Cabo Star Ferry is undergoing repairs. Last Wednesday, a small fire occurred in the engine room of the vessel, leading to the cancellation of sailings. As the situation continues, businessman Demi-John Cruickshank states that the situation is dire.
In the interim, the passenger ferries are accommodating trucks with a maximum weight limit of 3 tons, carrying essential items only, according to Curtis Williams, Chairman of the Tobago Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
If the situation sounds familiar, it is. In 2017, the business community was devastated by problems on the sea bridge when the government refused to renew its contract with the Superfast Galicia. Several months after, the government was able to lease the Cabo Star. By that point, millions of dollars were lost, and several businesses closed their doors. The government committed to acquiring a specially-built cargo vessel for the sea bridge to prevent such a recurrence.
They called on the Chief Secretary to convene an emergency meeting with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Works and Transport, and the Minister of Finance to address the matter before it becomes too late.
