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Grieving man lashes out at ‘helpless’ Gov’t on FB

- after reportedly finding it ‘almost impossible' to transport mother’s body to Anegada for burial
The post by Mr Alex Varlack on the BVI Community Board. Photo: Facebook
Ferries are reportedly no longer transporting bodies between sister islands as passengers are allegedly not comfortable with such arrangements. Photo: VINO/File
Ferries are reportedly no longer transporting bodies between sister islands as passengers are allegedly not comfortable with such arrangements. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Already facing a difficult time following the death of his mother, Mr Alex Varlack’s troubles have been compounded with the challenge of not being able to transport the body via ferry from Tortola to Anegada for burial.

According to the man on the Facebook page BVI Community Board on September 16, 2016, the public ferries that ply the Anegada-Tortola route are refusing to take the body and his efforts to get help, including from Government, have yielded no success.

“My mom just died. To get her from Tortola to Anegada for the funeral is proving almost impossible!”

Mr Varlack further said all of the ferries that “accommodate our island say they don’t carry bodies anymore and I have called our government representatives to no avail.”

Why vote in people who can’t help us?

“After mom goes down, whoever is next, how are we supposed deal with this situation?!! In a time of grief we don’t need this extra stress!!!! Why are we voting in people that can’t and won’t help us,” Mr Varlack continued in obvious frustration.

Many persons on Facebook expressed sympathy to Mr Alex on the passing of his mom and shared his concerns as well.

“Mark Faulkner said: “May your mother R.I.P Alex. The BVI government don't care about the people of Anegada, only to tell us a bunch of Bulls***t. We need our own rep.”

Ciara M Christian advised Mr Varlack to “hire a charter or someone can volunteer to do such. I too had to do this last year when my dad died.”

An LA Rabsatt said she hoped Mr Varlack was able to get the assistance needed, and that some overall solution comes for the future.

Sandra George Leonard said: “So sad to hear this at this time. The added stress is not needed. However, in VG we charter either a boat or a barge to bring bodies across. The funeral home usually helps with arranging the barge if you want to go that way if not then a private boat would have to be considered ... So sorry for your loss and prays that all will work out.”

Geli Maynard added: “This is so sad and so very unacceptable. Surely one of the government agencies which deal with social welfare can assist? Or am I being too logical here? If so, then a private boat with many of us assisting with fuel costs and logistics. I would, however, shout as loudly as you can about this, because it is NOT acceptable. Not AT ALL ...”

Meanwhile, many persons also volunteered to offer money, a private boat or offered themselves as a boat captain.

“Thank you all for your kind words and suggestions. It’s greatly appreciated,” Mr Varlack replied.

‘Uncomfortable’ situation

Road Town Fast Ferry and Smith’s Ferry ply the Anegada-Tortola route. A representative of Road Town Fast Ferry told this news site that the ferries have refrained from transportng bodies via the public transportation services since passengers complain that they are “uncomfortable” with that situation.

“It’s a tricky situation but we encourage the people to charter a smaller boat or a barge as we don’t take bodies with passengers aboard the ferry,” the man stated.

Virgin Traders comes to the rescue

Meanwhile, we were pleased to learn that a Good Samaritan, motor yacht charter company Virgin Traders, came to the aid of Mr Varlack and his family.

“Virgin Traders offered and we accepted thankfully.”

Mr Varlack noted, however, that he put his situation in the public domain so hopefully others may not have to face a similar experience.

“What about future similar situations and to other islands as well!?! It’s an issue that needs to be dealt with ASAP!!! And once again all of our thanks and gratitude go towards Virgin Traders and everyone else who offered their help. One love.”

52 Responses to “Grieving man lashes out at ‘helpless’ Gov’t on FB”

  • Binocs (17/09/2016, 12:07) Like (57) Dislike (7) Reply
    So Sad. Our country has become such a sad place under this NDP Gov't. Not even the DEAD can find Rest.

    Sad.


    • chad (17/09/2016, 12:26) Like (116) Dislike (4) Reply
      You don't take bodies with passengers, the airline transport bodies all over the world with passengers on the plane every day. Don't be afraid of the dead, be afraid of the living.
      • understood (17/09/2016, 13:05) Like (19) Dislike (7) Reply
        But you don't see them.
      • LilKim (17/09/2016, 13:21) Like (38) Dislike (25) Reply

        I once travelled on a ferry to St Thomas, plain wooden coffin in my sight with the name of the deceased and address written on it..cannot get that out of memory. On a plane everything is in its belly out of sight.
        I appreciate the consideration and rules of the passenger ferriies regarding this issue.
        Aren,t there badges and cargo boats that can be hired...Shouldn' t this be done with the efforts of the funeral home...
        Good gracious me,everything is blaming and depending on the Gov...cut the umbilical cord folks . This dependency syndrome is not attractive nor good for free people.
        • Stupez (17/09/2016, 15:42) Like (28) Dislike (8) Reply
          If you were in going through that. You would have spoken differently.
          You are arrogant
          • @stupez (17/09/2016, 21:09) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
            Thank you for the compliment.
          • plz (18/09/2016, 09:39) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
            What you're talking is true but what i'm going to say is that the boat was to be on charter and the persons whom are attending know it's a funeral they are going to so why make noise. All i see is that they want the hand full of money in their hands and carry the people and leave the dead behind. Why go with the people and leave the dead isn't it the dead we are going to bury? We all love to knock someone and make our negative comments until it happens to us. Let's us be real here and stop knocking down each other.
          • . (19/09/2016, 22:34) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
            @ Stupez Welcome to the arrogant, self-entitled generation that we have created. We made so dam much of these kids and young people that now they have no respect for their elders, their parents or their grandparents. I glad I wouldn't have to live in the world they are making for themselves.
      • Wow again (17/09/2016, 20:07) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
        Don't they have a cargo hold on the ferries?
    • Now you Know (17/09/2016, 13:28) Like (41) Dislike (9) Reply
      NDP don't care about us. Only around election time.
    • @ Sad (17/09/2016, 15:56) Like (8) Dislike (19) Reply
      Who tell U "it" didn't start from when the VIP was in POWER Ehh???!..... every body n Etc. on these blogs want to "play"the NDP card"....just for "likes"!!....ya Knuh wa let me play that card, Come onnn now man, I do feel for the fella btw
  • wow@wow (17/09/2016, 13:33) Like (55) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wow. Wow. Well said. Don't scared of the dead. Be afraid of the living. They are one hurt us everyday..
  • voter (17/09/2016, 13:52) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is our own simple mindedness that is the problem. Maybe the ferries should consider having a compartment for these situations. The sister Islands are not going to get any closer any time soon. It is done on the large planes, why it can't be done on the big ferries.
    • @,voter (17/09/2016, 21:02) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
      Or maybe they should reconsider and have passengers only since they are passenger boats and not barges or cargo boats.
      Find another means of transport for the large kitchen appliances,t televisions,and furniture. Are tourists expecting that on their lleg from StThomas to the BVI that they will be ushered with all sort of cargo including corpses? Aren,t we endeavouring to make visitors have a pleasant experience?
  • Stupez (17/09/2016, 15:39) Like (19) Dislike (4) Reply
    This is crazy.I am sure the young man will be victimize by government for speaking out.
    A year ago , a few teachers spoke against government and where they are?
    Off of anegada. Government got rid of them.I am sure no contracts will be given to the young man.
    He did well in speaking out. I hope government realizes their mistakes.
  • I notice yuh site (17/09/2016, 16:05) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    Izzz VIP bias,....and wen is ayo party or ur BOSS comments are not posted!!!!!!
  • ? (17/09/2016, 16:58) Like (15) Dislike (18) Reply
    How is this a Government issue? His Mom passed away which is very sad but shouldnt he be liaising with the funeral home to arrange transport?
    • Stupez (17/09/2016, 17:48) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
      Government pays the ferry 9000 per month. It should carry the bodies on sister island
    • Interesting.... (17/09/2016, 20:59) Like (13) Dislike (11) Reply
      I quite agree. We now live in a BVI where everyone has a 'cap in hand' mentality... Sad!
    • shut up! (18/09/2016, 08:32) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      When we go to the Step-Sister Islands we don't go there free of Charge! We pay Big $50USC. It does not sound as if Mr. Varlack is asking a hand out! No one is saying it is a Govt issue! But u see when you put in the wrong set of people in such Prestigious places They Are Of No Use!
    • @? (18/09/2016, 18:56) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      I am right there with you. I too am trying to figure out how this matter became political. But I guess this is the BVI where EVERY complication is the government's fault. I miss the days when we called on each other before we called a minister of govt or his secretary. Glad there were.ppl.who didnt buy into the political rhetoric and offered practical solutions.
  • wize up (17/09/2016, 17:01) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    I tell U
  • Jason D (17/09/2016, 17:23) Like (13) Dislike (10) Reply
    I sympathize with the Varlack family but I also respect the decision of the ferry companies. Government cannot dictate how businesses should operate so long as they are not doing anything contrary to the law. Sacrifices have to be made. If it was me I would charter a private boat to take my dead ...problem solved. Government cannot do everything for us man..Geez....be real my people...be real....
    • civil servant2 (17/09/2016, 19:29) Like (22) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Jason D - Government subsidize Airlines and subsidize Ferries. When do taxpayers get their money back? Answer that? They campaign on a lot of promises and seem to be missing in action in desperate times.
      • Jason D (18/09/2016, 02:32) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
        @Civil Servant2: next you will Givernment to wipe you nose when u have a cold. Only in Talk Tola..Geez!!!this sense of entitlement...Mst Government do everything single thing for us?
    • Understand (18/09/2016, 15:00) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Jason D maybe he does not have the funds to charter a private boat. I agree with the other blogger, If I had a private boat I would have helped him out free of charge. I always believe that we should extend a hand to someone in need. Sometimes people burn you but, once you do it from the heart that is all that matters.
  • Really (17/09/2016, 19:11) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr varlack sorry to hear your loss so tell me no one in anegada has a boat I sure this lady brother have a boat
  • all out possee (17/09/2016, 19:16) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    If the representative had care for the people of anegada he would've used his BERTRAM
  • ....... (17/09/2016, 20:14) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    If I had a private boat I would have helped the man transport his mother. Can someone with a private boat help the guy out? He is under a lot of stress and all he is doing is trying to get his mother home to lay her to rest.
  • Marley (17/09/2016, 20:42) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Alex, be not wary. Saint Ran of Anegada was faithful to his servants on Anegada, and even in the worse weather, and roughest seas, ensured he made it there to pray over the sick and help those with affliction and life issues. Pray to the Patron Saint of Anegada, that he may open the eyes of the local politicians so that they can assist you. In his name we pray. Amen.
  • Curious (17/09/2016, 21:06) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    How did the body get from Anegada???
    • Dummy (18/09/2016, 12:49) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
      Haha, thanks for a laugh in a serious issue. Next she would like to go to Norman Island?
  • voter (17/09/2016, 22:29) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hubutt could have voluntered his boat
    • Sad thing about it (18/09/2016, 08:32) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      The sad thing about it these same representatives will be a the funeral as if they really care. I hate when I go to funeral and I see them show up just for a SHOW.
  • mhm (18/09/2016, 02:31) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    I don't see why we want the government to do everything for us ...the community can work together and do somethings .. As a passenger I wouldn't like to be transported with a dead body .. Airlines keep them out of sight well, ferries can't do that.. What did he expect the government to do ? Force the ferry company ?
    • thomas (18/09/2016, 10:43) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      These so call representatives always taking up the front seat in funerals like they care. MR VARLACK only was trying to get a boat to take the body to ANEGADA for burial is that to much to ask for what about when they are paying thousand of dollars to bury other people body when the same families can afford it. Just like how the spend money to buy a mahogany casket for one of their staff mother who were buried here in ST THOMAS they could have help MR VARLCAK. They are TORTOLIAN the woman who get the mahogany casket were not a TORTOLIAN.


  • Fred Hampton (18/09/2016, 07:17) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    The government like a lot of people is constipated and constipated people dont give a shit. Check how they treat Pearline Leonard, Guy Hill, Kharid Fraser and others. Time will tell..
  • Just saying. (18/09/2016, 07:17) Like (3) Dislike (7) Reply
    Usually when one lives nice with people. People rush to your aid in times of need. Live good with each other people. We need each other.
    • My Gosh (18/09/2016, 13:45) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      What a dreadful thing to insinuate at this distressing time, you should be ashamed!
  • 1 (18/09/2016, 08:18) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ndp must go
  • Binocs (18/09/2016, 08:29) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    The government police boat could have taken the body to Anegada. This family have paid their fair dues to this country. At least you could help them in time of need. A government for the people would always help their people weather they help put them in or not. Government should always be about helping their people. I read so many negative about my government. I have supported them from the beginning, but my heart is so broken when you know that they can do much better than they are presently doing to help the ones who help them to get to this position of not helping others. To our head leader please we asking you to take this country back to the place where our leaders looked out for their people first. Where our leaders were humble and not big headed. If it is not done we the people will have to send a clear message on our election day (two more years from now?)
  • CJ (18/09/2016, 09:59) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    To all who are making the noise about the guy wanting Government to pay not once did you see where he asked Government to pay all he's asking and simple saying is where are the People that all of us put in where are they now to assist him in getting his mom back over the waters for burial. He never once asked for hand outs. Do we consider the time it takes to get a body from Tortola to Anegada and the early hours the funeral staff have to get up out of their beds to traverse the waters to Anegada on a barge that takes hours? We need to stop having this mentality just because he's from Anegada and crying out for a little assistance. I want to see how some of us would behave if it's one of our relatives that it happen to. We need to stop and think before we post our comments. I though we were promoting OneBVI but I guess we see where we stand with this as we don't consider Anegada part of the BVI. Well it is and it will remain part of the BVI as it's the second largest of the BVI.
  • Community (18/09/2016, 12:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Same page the Minister is overjoyed at all the local boats out torturing Marlin for a weekend but one cant help? Big kudos to Virgin Traders
  • Sue (18/09/2016, 17:51) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    Sick and fed up stop blaming the NDP people come on now life is too short for all of these petty stuff let's live love and help amen
    • Emhm@sue (19/09/2016, 06:30) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Let's live love and help u say, where when and how? It begins home, talk and walk. Most miss the point about the whole problem. Thanks to those who assisted in this situation.
  • Consideration (19/09/2016, 08:34) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    In all my life I have never heard of a request to Government for assistance in transporting a dead body for a funeral on any of the Sister Islands. It has always been understood to be the honourable responsibility of the family of the deceased as a final gesture to dignity of the family. The Government does however provide financial and other assistance through Social Development. As times have changed, particularly on the sister islands, maybe its time for Government to consider providing transportation assistance to the sister islands for the dead. We will see how many more cases come up in the future.
    • . (19/09/2016, 23:20) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Financial assistance was not the point. What you want the honourable family of the deceased to do, swim with the deceased upon their heads to Anegada? Ferries used to transport deceased persons and I am sure they didn't do it for free. Looks like our current set of BVIslanders are too dam soft to travel a ferry with a deceased person. They believe they are on the Staten Island Ferry or some other big ferry somewhere. This is the height of ignorance and indecency. No respect for anyone, living or dead. No respect for elders, parents or anyone else. I am ashamed of what the BVI has become.

      As for how many more cases come up, don't ask. When you next go Anegada for a lime or lobsterfest or go VG to look at the Baths, pray you don't meet an unfortunate circumstance and have to be transported after your death.
  • answers (20/09/2016, 15:13) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    answer to your question.... why yall voting people that cant and wont help..... cause yall are fools.... that cant see but believe everything thats told to u


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