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BVI Airways Ad @ RT Ferry Terminal a slap in the face- Ferry Operator

- BVI Airways advertises it is 'arriving soon'
The BVI Airways ad at the Road Town Ferry Terminal today, March 14, 2017. Photo: Team of Reporters
A ferry operator is not pleased that BVI Airways has decided to advertise at the Road Town Ferry Terminal about its pending non-stop service from Miami. Photo: VINO/File
A ferry operator is not pleased that BVI Airways has decided to advertise at the Road Town Ferry Terminal about its pending non-stop service from Miami. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Ferry owners and operators in the Virgin Islands who provide sea transportation services between the Virgin Islands (VI) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) are still crying foul over the Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith’s Administration injection of some $7 million in a bankrupt BVI Airways in exchange for direct flights between Miami, Florida and Beef Island’s Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport.

In 2014 the same BVI Airways pulled out of the VI, owing the BVI Airports Authority close to $100,000 in airport fees, as told to the public by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Smith in an answer to a question in Parliament.

Recently, Leader of the Opposition Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) told the House of Assembly that he has information that BVI Airways also owes money to other Caribbean islands.

Within the past week, BVI Airways has been back and forth with a local carrier VI Airlink over an objection it filed to its application with the United States Department of Transportation. Both sides continue to trade barbs via public statements and reaction to the other.

Ad! Arriving soon!

Well BVI Airways is now advertising its services at the Road Town Ferry Terminal. It did not advise the public on its start date, but promised “convenient, comfortable and incomparable” service. It also promised that it will be “arriving soon.”

‘Direct slap in face’ of local ferry operators

Meanwhile, one of the ferry operators who chose to remain anonymous over concerns of possible victimisation by the National Democratic Party Government was not pleased about the BVI Airways advertisement placed at the ferry terminal.

“We consider that a direct slap in the face because they don’t advertise the ferry service up at the airport so why advertise that they running direct service from Miami…is like a direct saying don’t use the ferry service, use this.”

The ferry operator further said he feels that locals are neglected in their own country while Government seeks to help others “unknown.”

“That is how we view it. To me that is like a direct slap in the face of the ferry services because we been running here throughout all the years. We try our best to rather invest in others unknown rather than invest in their own. That is how we look at it because the ferry company belongs to locals. That airline don’t belong to no local. You see once you local you don’t deserve any help. That is the trouble, that is what we see it as, the plight of the locals.”

Another ferry operator said he saw the ad but declined to offer any comment on it.

57 Responses to “BVI Airways Ad @ RT Ferry Terminal a slap in the face- Ferry Operator”

  • ABC (14/03/2017, 14:22) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    Smh on doc and funny man
    • Jay (14/03/2017, 15:08) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      Perhaps unsurprisingly maybe funny man eating too
    • Mama Sue (14/03/2017, 17:10) Like (15) Dislike (19) Reply
      Y'all business owners are so sensitive, a lil marketing promotion and then you're offended. REALLY!
  • i from here (14/03/2017, 14:23) Like (21) Dislike (10) Reply
    come on locals are at the back of the bus under this crew
  • laughing (14/03/2017, 14:28) Like (41) Dislike (28) Reply

    Are these people serious with all these stupid complaints? They need to step up and run real reliable and proper businesses instead of crying for every @#$& ting. They are sickening now man!

    • My girl (14/03/2017, 14:38) Like (38) Dislike (26) Reply
      @Laughing: I am with you 100%. Ferry operators on Tortola are a bunch of jokers. Thank God for Province Town 111 which is here for another 2 weeks and then its back to normal with the crappy boats from Road Town and Tortola Fast Ferry and their crappy service. Speedy's is the best of the lot. It's a pity Speedy's don't run between Tortola and Saint Thomas.
      • ha (14/03/2017, 15:25) Like (9) Dislike (16) Reply
        @Jack Shut ur mouth you sound like either a hater or worker that works with Province n Bobby its about your country an future Jack A**
  • The Watcher (14/03/2017, 14:52) Like (29) Dislike (10) Reply
    Dear Mr. Ferry Man: I am sure you could arrange to put an ad at the airport if you wanted to. Trouble is you would have to pay for it, as I am sure BVI Airways did. Its called marketing....
  • Dragon (14/03/2017, 14:52) Like (29) Dislike (14) Reply
    The ferry services to and from St. Thomas are unreliable and badly run. Step up your service run a good business and you will have customers.
    • two cents (14/03/2017, 21:09) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Dragon, I agree. When I travel even if my flight is late in the afternoon, I still would take the first ferry leaving Tortola, as I would be too fearful that I would miss my flight, because usually after the first boat, that's it, nothing is on time. Many times even the first boat is not on time.
  • Amelia Earhart (14/03/2017, 14:54) Like (21) Dislike (12) Reply
    So Ferry personnel,why do you not advertise your services at the Airport? Is it because whether or not you have ferry passengers,you are paid with the subsidies from Gov? Why hustle for a living when there is welfare right? Come to think of it,I did not know there was VI AirLink until recently. They flourish too,with or without advertising because of welfare. Note that the ferries nor VI AirLink gives back to the community either.
    • @Amelia Earhart (14/03/2017, 15:12) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Do you give back to the community? Funny enough I've never heard your name before.
      • Amelia Earhart (14/03/2017, 16:12) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
        You have never heard my name before because your education evidently,was administered under the Good To Great Program.
        • @Amelia Earhart (14/03/2017, 16:35) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
          Brrrrr You cracking jokes? I didn't get it. Seriously, I've never seen or heard of you in my entire indigenous life living here! Lmao
          • repeat (14/03/2017, 19:58) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
            Your lack of a quality education could not be more evident and unfortunately, you and many more in these islands are beyond and above clueless.
          • Captain Hook (14/03/2017, 20:15) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
            Amelia, where were you educated? in B.V.I Fowl pen/ Cockpit?....
            • Amelia Earhart (14/03/2017, 22:36) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
              Of course they will pay more. They would have willingly and gladly made that choice to pay more based on their needs wants and finances. First class on a plane is big bucks but it is always full . Million dollar homes are sold as quickly as others. These Islands are enjoyed by those who can and are willing to pay premium for what they need and want,so no problem.
              • @ Amelia (15/03/2017, 09:36) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
                Stop wasting your time, they will never get it! If they can't complain and be a victim their lives are no longer worth living. It's amazing that because of politics people are actually backing the local ferry companies that continue to run bush business and leave us stranded. The only ones that can get my money are Speedys and Bobby (with provincetown).
        • quote thief (15/03/2017, 10:18) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
          "Amelia Earhart came perhaps before her time...the smiling, confident, capable, yet compassionate human being, is one of which we can all be proud."

          You are no Amelia Earhart!
    • Captain Hook (14/03/2017, 20:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Passengers goin pay MORE when flying Amelia. My ferry people them got better things to do at the moment like hustle and try to earn a lil living--- no time fuh "MARKETING".
  • Georges (14/03/2017, 15:08) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    BVI Airways well out a place to put they sign at the ferry dock. This ndp administration treating local carriers like waste particles. Nobody strong enough to March for they rights in this place. All the freedom we ancestors fight for now this. Well let me tell all you something all you mess with the wrong set of people. Don't come here at no ferry messing around.
    • Sherry (14/03/2017, 18:09) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      The airways sign is the first thing I noticed when I came in and thought it tacky. The ferry is trying to keep running dispute lack of support from government who gave the airways 7 million dollars and are pushing the airport. Even if all this was in place I would STILL come though St Thomas because It is more convenient for me in West End. The airlines are not the only answer. And because the ferry schedules don't match the incoming flights, that is the biggest problem.
      More people would come through west end if the schedule was reliable. Many tourists use west end and ferries. Airways more expensive and land east end.
      Does Pier Park advertise at Crafts Alive?
      • W*F (14/03/2017, 19:11) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
        Sherry really? Non-stop travel from BVI to MIAMI being advertised at the ferry terminal is an issue? LMAO!!!
        • Sherry (15/03/2017, 15:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          what difference does it make? people coming across country still have to change planes- fly to Miami- change planes again. It is the same thing and is not making it that much easier. It is still changing planes all over the place. I still think it dumb to advertise in the ferry dock.
  • NezRez (14/03/2017, 15:20) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    First of all, if BVI Airways pulled out in 2014, owing close to $100,000.00 in airport fees and filing bankrupt, how in the world are they allowed to re-enter our port without paying back money to the government? How will the government ensure payment from them in the near future? Also, the Ferry Owners are correct complaining about them posting at the ferry terminal and not being allowed to advertise their ferries at the airport. Have our political leaders been paid off and to hell with the locals, no matter we say? The public was not even informed about this until the last minute. I find this suspicious and disrespectful to we the tax payers. I do bot support a company who files bankrupt and to hell with paying what they owe, only to be allowed to do business as usual.
  • Scary Scary (14/03/2017, 15:21) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    The pilots must be frustrated from reading all this blog. BVI Airways will not be seeing my butt anytime soon. Too much mouth to feed too much risk too much life to live. I'm feeling dizzy thinking about flying OMG. Let them advertise buddy.
  • *roll eyes * (14/03/2017, 15:22) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
    This is stupid. If the ferry operators wanted their businesses advertised at the airport all they needed to do was contact the people who provide advisement at the airport and pay their monies to have it advertised there. That simple!
    And beside I don't see the point in them being worried, people travel to St. Thomas all the time and will continue to do so. Not everyone going Florida. This also doesn't mean flights are going to be cheaper than st Thomas. They really need to get there panties outta a bunch and calm down.
  • HMMM (14/03/2017, 15:27) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ppl you guys need to understand boats and planes are mechanical an has issues at times i was on a flight that got delayed 4times due to malfunction of plane an for a big fleet of planes we still had to wait on that 1 so imagine airways with 1 plane.stuck
  • .... (14/03/2017, 15:50) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    why are the ferry operator complaining about a slap in the face? do they provide direct services from the BVI to Miami? strpss come again
  • wize up (14/03/2017, 16:17) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    the majority of visitors from mainland USA will continue to go via the USVI then to the BVI simply because the air fare is cheaper: we have the same issues with shipping cargo from USA to BVI..travel or shipping between USA to USVI is considered domestic while the BVI is seen as a foreign port...travel between BVI and MIA well be high(some of you have rich white friends)
    • Huh? (14/03/2017, 17:29) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
      Where is the research that shows this? Most go via USVI because little or no options direct to BVI! When BVI had American Eagle most people used Eagle. If what you say is so true then why is the USVI Government so concerned about our direct flights and airport expansion?
      • wize up (15/03/2017, 16:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ Huh: don't you take the shortest route home: American Eagle was simply an onward connection out of San Juan to the BVI or any other caribbean Destination.....
  • @ wizeup (14/03/2017, 17:03) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    It's not always cheaper to fly via USVI! If what you say is so then why is the demand so high connecting from SJU to BVI? The fare was 'cheaper' when Eagle flew from BVI to SJU with connections globally as well but guess what? They had up to 6 flights a day, all full, ALL FULL! BVI Airways will be packed going and coming especially high season so don't mind the foolish noise, that's typical of the BVI where the people making noise are doing so because they are being left behind.
    • wize up (14/03/2017, 17:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @@ wize up : thanks for the lecture of fares....I spent 1982-2005 in the Virgin Islands Travel industry
    • Really? (16/03/2017, 08:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      At wize up. You sound like you get your advice from Donald Trump. Eagle was subsidized. All the times I flew it, and it was quite a few, it was hardly ever full. BVI Airways will only be packed if the fares offer value. A $ 250 difference in costs amounts to $ 1,000 for a family of four. For sure, I would love direct flights EIS-MIA but only if they are reasonably priced. During the summer months, one can fly STT-MIA for as little as $ 250. Air fares presently EIS-SJU are more than that pretty much anytime. The load factors are unlikely to support fares that are competitive.
  • vi (14/03/2017, 17:19) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ok I can wait for this direct flight its the best thing ever happen to the BVI.
  • VG Resident (14/03/2017, 17:22) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    that's called advertising. grow up and stop whining. Provide good service at low cost and you will have lots of customers.
    • @ VG Resident (14/03/2017, 18:25) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      But in all fairness they got tax payers money not even a loan just not right!
  • Guest (14/03/2017, 17:25) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    the boat owners should be proud our $7 Million at work
  • blah (14/03/2017, 18:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    They got $7million of our money to pay for the advertising cost.
  • Why (14/03/2017, 20:06) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Letting passengers know that they have a choice in travel to the VI is an offense? I would think that giving options to our visitors would be a priority. If your product is good if you have been diligent in giving good service and considering that your business is government subsidised why the anger and insecurity?
  • ship wreck (14/03/2017, 20:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    difficult problems ahead
  • two cents (14/03/2017, 20:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The sign should say MIA to EIS.
  • wize up (14/03/2017, 21:08) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is a very serious disconnect between the residents, the citizens and those we have elected to develop this territory: I am trying to put my finger on it but just can't figure it out(there is something wrong but where did It go wrong)
    • Crazy Glue (14/03/2017, 22:13) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      There is a disconnect between the average citizen and reality.They are in a bubble I just have to shake my head sometimes.
  • Dulcina (14/03/2017, 22:08) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    All this haggling about cheap cheaper and cheapest. How do you put a price tag on stress and time and comfort. BvI tourists are varied in their finances. Poor poorer and rich richer and richest. Let them decide and give them options and choices....Counting pennies is not everyone's pastime. First class flights are not cheap but first class and business class always full.
    • @Dulcina (15/03/2017, 10:41) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      " Counting pennies is not everyone's past time"
      A memorable quote!
  • bad boy (14/03/2017, 23:27) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    wat de hell de ferry man them making noise anyone ever heard of ferry service stopping at 16 30 hrs lol sit down now u guys balling shut up lol lol
  • Blind Man (15/03/2017, 08:41) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    But... but... There are ads at the airport! LOL
  • Blah! (15/03/2017, 09:39) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    The funny thing is that everyone on here bitching and moaning will be on that same BVI Airways flight to Miami with their mouth shut! Remember the Pier Park when everyone said it was corrupt, it would fail, it was a waste of money and whatever other stories they could make up. Check out the Pier Park on a weekend, especially Friday and see how many families are in there enjoying an experience that they never had before on island. The noise will only last a few more months.
    • Really (15/03/2017, 18:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Really? I have been at the Pier Park a few Fridays with my daughter and aint nothing much going on there. I must have been at a different park. And talk to some of the shop owners who will tell you the real story of how they are getting on. The airline business is no picnic and we have to be skeptical about how this BVI Airways will make out when you look at what the world's much bigger airlines have had to go through to keep their head above water. Bankruptcies, mergers....this is a rinky dinky resurrected airline flying one route with plans to expand but who knows whether that will ever pan out. We have to keep expectations in check until they prove themselves.
  • Mr Shovels (15/03/2017, 10:20) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hey Mr. anonymous ferry operator, you could have your ferry service advertised at the airport if you really wanted. Did you really think papa government would do it for you because you're local? smdh
  • pat (15/03/2017, 15:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    the issue is the government giving 7 mill to airline which owed them money anyway and then advertising them. when ferries don't get government support and are having to compete with government airline.
  • Political Observer (PO) (15/03/2017, 17:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ferry operators are raising a storm in a tea cup. Agree or disagree with government dishing out $7M of taxpayers scarce dollars to BVI Airways, a defunct airline that skipped town owing BVIAA close to $100K, it is about competition. Ferry operators can post advertisements at TBLIA and Miami if they so desire. BVI Airways has a lot more to worry about than competition from ferries. These worries include 1)getting airborne and staying airborne, 2)attaining a profitable passenger load factor over the long-term, 3)establishing successfully Miami as its hub, 4)seeking competitive price with St. Thomas............etc.

    Moreover, that said, the ferry system should also have been given a grant or loan to sustain, restore and modernize the ferry system. The ferry system is floundering on life support and needs to be restructured and revived. The system needs to be modernized. The air-sea multimodal transportation system between the VI and USVI needs to be explored.
    • Agree with you (15/03/2017, 18:30) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      You hit the nail on the head. Sustainability of this airline called BVI Airways! This is the airline business. It is a start up. Or a "restructuring" of a defunct airline. Its past isnt pretty. We are yet to hear what the fares between EIS and Miami will be. Seriously doubt whether it is going to be competitive. Just look at the fare between here and SJU historically. Was looking to book a trip the other day. Over $500. Unless the fare works out to be competitive, I cannot see full planes to and from Miami. People will opt for the cheaper STT route notwithstanding the hassle of the ferries. We are also hearing of plans to have additional routes. JFK - EIS among others. I have my doubts as to whether this will ever pan out. And I for one will not be traveling on any BVI Airways until they prove their safety track record. A couple of years in the air without incident and then maybe I will book a seat. If the fare is good. If the government had half of a brain, they would invest some money in fixing up and modernizing the seaports. And these ferry operators need to quit complaining about this nonsense with BVI Airways advertising in the ferry terminal. Its utter nonsense! Run a clean, orderly, on time and efficient ferry service and it doesn't matter what ads BVI Airways puts up. Customers will use your service.
  • Bandit (16/03/2017, 08:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hate to be negative but unfortunately the truth is the truth. This Arline will not survive. Look around the Caribbean at countries with larger populations who have and had airlines. Not one of those airlines made any money and was just a drain on the treasury of the islands. Air Jamaica, BWIA, Bahamas air, Liat and the list goes on.


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