Basic food items like bread remain scarce due to ongoing repairs on the Cabo Star ferry, which plays a crucial role in transporting goods to Tobago. The vessel is currently out of service due to a fire incident. Trucks are now accommodated on passenger ferries when space is available, with priority given to essential goods, often leaving construction supplies behind. The responsibility to address these inter-island travel issues rests with Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan, and Minister of Finance Colm Imbert, who have remained silent on the matter. Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation Tashia Burris questions their commitment to Tobago’s needs.
She called on the central government to address the matter with urgency. Burris explained that due to insufficient funding from the central government, the THA is unable to invest in another vessel for emergency situations. However, regarding the airbridge, they are exploring the possibility of including other airlines. It was one of the suggestions put forward by stakeholders during last week’s town hall meeting on inter-island travel issues, along with the idea of considering a model similar to the previous Tobago Express airline.
The Tourism Secretary hopes that through the establishment of several multi-stakeholder committees, they can diplomatically advocate for better inter-island travel solutions.
