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St. Vincent to Grenadines Fast Ferry: A Reality

Imagine cutting travel time by sea from mainland St. Vincent to Union Island by more than half of what obtains currently.

That’s the convenience that company Jaden Inc. promises when it launches its fast ferry service come June 16/17, 2010.

According to Mrs. Cashena Gooding, Managing Director of Jaden Inc., owners and operators of the ferry christened ‘Jaden Sun’, “the service will be a daily one from Monday to Friday. The ferry will leave port Kingstown at 9:00 am, with stops in Bequia, Canouan and final destination being Union island.” The service will return from Union Island and arrive in Port Kingstown by 4:30 pm. Stops in Mayreau will be on a needs basis.

Turnaround time at each port is estimated to be fifteen minutes.

The ‘Jaden Sun’ – Duty Free

Captain designate of the ‘Jaden Sun’, Elvis Gooding, described the ferry as a jet propelled, diesel -fuelled aluminium vessel that is 105 feet long and 31 feet wide. It boasts aircraft style accommodation that will sit 230 passengers and is outfitted with facilities, including toilet facilities, to cater to physically challenged persons.

With a maximum speed of 34 knots, the ferry will not, for reasons of safety, allow deck passengers. Captain Gooding explained further: “This new service is a passenger service. It does not offer a commercial cargo service. Passengers will be allowed luggage and personal ‘carry-ons’, just like what airlines offer.”

According to Gooding, he is pleased to be associated with a totally locally owned company which has been set on its way by being the recipient of the generous waver of all government duties and taxes relevant to the investment in a fast ferry.

Room for expansion

As far as other opportunities opened to the ferry as its investors endeavour to make it a profitable venture, Captain Gooding spoke of working with related parties in St. Lucia to offer a ‘shuttle service’ for passengers connecting through Hewanorra International Airport, St. Lucia, onwards to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

There have also been inquiries from Charter Yacht operators in St. Lucia for weekend pick-ups from that neighbouring territory.

Efforts are also afoot to develop a relationship with persons in Grenada and Carriacou, to facilitate onwards journey to Carriacou, at the least.

The ‘Jaden Sun’ is currently docked at the Ottley Hall Shipyard where it is undergoing “finishing touches’’ in readiness for the launch of “a first class service from day one,” assured Managing Director Cashena Gooding.

Source of article:
The Vincentian
07/01/2010
www.thevincentian.com