Grieving man lashes out at ‘helpless’ Gov’t on FB
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”
Sad.
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.
You are arrogant
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?
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.
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.