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Speedy’s Ferry reportedly blocked from sailing VG to STT– Hon Flax-Charles

-Local ports authority reportedly blocking move according to Minister
The Speedy's Ferry service after having been given the go-ahead to make direct trips to St Thomas from Virgin Gorda (VG) has had its permission denied without reason according to Jr Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL). Photo: Facebook
Hon Flax-Charles speaking to the press on Friday, December 16, 2022, said the matter may have been one that has to do with funding, however, the directive to block the service from traveling to St Thomas reportedly came from the local ports authority she said. Photo: Facebook
Hon Flax-Charles speaking to the press on Friday, December 16, 2022, said the matter may have been one that has to do with funding, however, the directive to block the service from traveling to St Thomas reportedly came from the local ports authority she said. Photo: Facebook
SPANISH TOWN, Virgin Gorda, VI – The Speedy's Ferry service after having been given the go-ahead to make direct trips to St Thomas from Virgin Gorda (VG) has had its permission denied without a proper explanation according to Jr Minister for Trade, Economic Development and Agriculture, Hon Shereen D. Flax-Charles (AL).

Hon Flax-Charles speaking to the press on Friday, December 16, 2022, said the matter may have been one that has to do with funding, however, the directive to block the service from traveling to St Thomas reportedly came from the local ports authority she said. 

“Well apparently Speedy’s received an email from ports that the request was denied to make some trips into St Thomas, and they gave no reason, now we are understanding that it has to do with the port being refurbished or reconfigured to accommodate immigration and so forth, immigration is ready to go, customs is ready to go and we are having challenges with the port authority,” she said 

VG willing to raise funds - Hon Flax-Charles 

When the reason for the denial is still unclear, multiple calls placed to the Speedy’s ferry service have proved futile however, the Minister said only Thursday afternoon she has been made aware of the situation and that if it was funding issues, the VG community would have come together to raise funds.

“Speedy’s running to St Thomas is not only a Virgin Gorda issue, it is a BVI issue,” she said. Hon Flax-Charles continued, “If it funds, we need to know and the VG community will jump right in, some people might say well you are in Government but I have personally been in meetings trying to get this situation resolved,” she added.

Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) also reached out to Deputy Premier and Minister For Communications And Works Honourable, Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5) for an explanation of the situation however, no response was received up to publication time.

Our news center will bring more information as it becomes available.

47 Responses to “Speedy’s Ferry reportedly blocked from sailing VG to STT– Hon Flax-Charles”

  • The watchdog (17/12/2022, 19:22) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    Locals always against each other
  • home (17/12/2022, 20:16) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them to wicked. They looking out for the other gferries
  • Big Top (17/12/2022, 20:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who driving the clown car this time, set ah jokers!
  • Good move by Port. (17/12/2022, 20:43) Like (48) Dislike (22) Reply
    What's wrong with stopping in Road Town on their way to St. Thomas.? This Trip straight from VG is not sustainable at some point they will be seeking Govt
    or port financial assistance, stop the problem before it occurs.. This New Port is a no no sense serious body, Next move is to take Pier Park back and bring it back home to Port where it belongs..
    • Truth (18/12/2022, 11:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Speedys would have to say if it is not profitable. They have been running to St Thomas for decades now. The issue was not stopping in Tortola. They denied permission to leave Vg in the first instance to even get to St Thomas
  • double standard (17/12/2022, 20:52) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    yes sir but the foreign operators can operate in our waters with out work permits which is absolutely contrary to the law of the land(non belongers are required to hold labor and immigration documents)

    all the necessary doors would have been thrown wide open had it been a foreign operator. why do our people have to dot all the I's and cross all the T to function here

    lets fix these issues come next election
    • @double standard (18/12/2022, 07:44) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      That was my first thought then I decided the whole thing looking fishy. If thinking outside the box, what if this story was just planted so that the premier can make some announcement to say he fixed the problem and then appear as a hero. It woukd make more sense if this is just some tactical political gimmick. I waiting for the next political announcement on this one. Then I would know for sure that this a real clown show and they really playing people for a fool.
      • She find a talking point. (18/12/2022, 08:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Good for your political career this may get you back in if there is an election, which I doubt.. I didnt know Port own Pier Park.? Wow. Seems like Pier Park got more clout, more teeth tban Port.. Unless Im hearing wrong. This is a place of false News. Hope someone with the facts can say for sure Port really own Pier park, or its just unhappy people talking.
  • Looking vote. (17/12/2022, 20:57) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Funds are low because the statutory body purchased a run down building owned by who? Tell us Shereen.
    • @Looking Vote. Good? (18/12/2022, 08:49) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Tell us about that Shareen. I too want to know. Also tell us the difference between Port and Pier Park, we hearing a lot of talk.. We confused.
    • insider (18/12/2022, 11:48) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes and she fought Andrew tooth and nail NOT to purchase it. He thought there was something in it for him. The building was SOLELY owned by her brother. As a matter of fact in Standing Finance 2022 she told the entire HOA and ports witnesses that there were buyers wanting to purchase the building and property from government. She said it should never have been bought in the first place. The minutes from Standing Finance are public documents. Check the records
      • Looking vote (18/12/2022, 13:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Would you say something different at that point. She had to make sure the Governor hear some opposition from her and yes it was all recorded. Sharene tell the people who collecting the rent. She was the same one singing how great the MD was at her job. They all need to be gone.
        • Truth (18/12/2022, 15:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          Ask the owners of the property. BVI PORTS AUTHORITY
          • @Truth (18/12/2022, 22:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
            Laugh out Loud. They said they do not collect rent. Better yet let us ask the tenants.
  • child (17/12/2022, 21:32) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    U LETTIN DIS TING GET 2 U , / AND IT AIN'T LOOKING GOOD ON YOU WHILE YOU TRY TO FIGHT DOWN THE BRITISH WITH ALL THAT DRAMA IN THE STREET , AND NOW ACTING LIKE YOU SUPPRISED AT SOME OF WHAT IS GIONG ON IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD , WOW , GIRL YOU ARE IN NEED OF A GOOD SPANKING ????
    • Hmm (18/12/2022, 07:15) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      This woman ain't get what it takes to be a people representative. Unless she's only representing those who have an attitude just like hers.
      • Hospitality (18/12/2022, 11:55) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
        You again Vincent?? Your bad attitude and how you hog up the people when they try to talk to you is what you need to look at
        • @hospitality (18/12/2022, 15:59) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
          so you say Vincent used to hog up people. well they both from VG
        • Truth (18/12/2022, 16:16) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
          Why is Vincent in this ? If you have an issue with him take it up with him. Your are obviously to blind to see what the so called unity Government is trying to do . Sorry to break the news he is too competent and composed to have to denigrate anyone to rise up. He will do that on his own record , experience and accomplishments.
      • @hmm (20/12/2022, 03:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        I agree with you
    • Sad (18/12/2022, 11:51) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
      Vincent you need to stop. You ain't do nothing for VG or the BVI and you was a minister
      • Truth (18/12/2022, 16:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        So you had to follow Hospitality down the rabbit hole. Problem is you all fail appreciate anyone who is quietly competent . People who get $h!t done without saying look at me look at me . Its people like you why the Donald Trumps of the world run the World.
  • Lb (17/12/2022, 22:57) Like (17) Dislike (4) Reply
    Is she the Minister of VG or an At-Large representative? Only hear her when it has to do with VG! Ritz Carlton boat on VG and she front and centre. All the time Tabbin boat dem had issues we didn’t hear her but now it is Speedy’s her mouth big!

    I vote for her to represent the whole BVI not VG. Definitely can’t get my vote again if she run at large.
    • Tabbin (18/12/2022, 11:50) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
      This girl been fighting for me left right and center to get on the Anegada run. She is good people.
      • Lb (18/12/2022, 18:09) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        St Thomas run! Nobody talking anegada. And it was just an example of many biases for VG and not being as forceful for the rest of the BVI who elect her. And you prove my point! Anegada is 9 district and the same like VG. One set of family. So yeah she still only rep 9th district
  • friendship day is a waste of time (18/12/2022, 00:55) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    But the helicopters can fly direct from st.thomas to oilnut bay?
    • @ freindship day..... (18/12/2022, 12:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yes, but I'm sure Oil Nut Bay pay of Customs & Immigration officers to be there.
  • stupidness (18/12/2022, 03:59) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So for year Vg terminal have been accommodating Ferries with this Stt trip with the same design of the building now ago talking piss bout reconfiguration?
    Mean just go sit down and miss me with the BS.
  • VG Resident (18/12/2022, 08:03) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vg needs a direct ferry service to/from st Thomas. It is a pain transferring luggage in roadtown and waiting time
    If speedy is willing to run the service. Why should the government interfere
  • Real Talk (18/12/2022, 08:06) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Do the relevant things the us coast guard requested and they should be just fine.this friendship day doesn’t have anything to do with international waters for those who running there mouth we are bvi they are usvi there is a international line between us.that’s not bvi regulations that’s us regulation.
    • Hard, tuff but right. (18/12/2022, 08:34) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
      Sometimes leadership call for tough decision. Lets supoose Port grant the permission, then two months in Speedy start complajning about it has to stop because its not sustainable and goverment and port refuse to give them financial help. We will be upset with government and the port for not helping locals. This move by Speedy's is a set up to get Govt funds, they know this is nit sustainable, VG dont have tbe traffic to keep this prifitable. Port is seeing exactly what im seeing. They did the right thing to stop it before the real confussion starts..
      • WOW (18/12/2022, 11:54) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Speedys had NEVER ASKED no government for a subsidy ever. That the Tola boats them. Virgin Gorda people support Speedys well.
    • WOW (18/12/2022, 15:19) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Soeedys HAVE ALL their certification on the USVI side. We always trying to keep down our own people
  • The watchdog (18/12/2022, 08:54) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    There must be more in the mota before flax Charles start her politics

    By the way where is Vincent is he still in a hold after he got kicked out of his ministry?
    • Truth (18/12/2022, 16:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ask the so called "Unity Government " . Why are they afraid of him? Maybe he and Hon. Calvin Malone know something ? They are afraid of both . To competent too experienced . If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything. Some suprising site that supposed to be VIP against him too . hmmmmmmm.
    • bvi (19/12/2022, 04:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ The Watchdog
      He is easy to find...Just check the local bars.
      • Truth (19/12/2022, 20:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        No wonder the Country is in such a state . It people like you that are to blind to recognize quality. You get what you deserve.
  • Sigh (18/12/2022, 09:02) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    No wonder, anyone else remember when they tore down the school and the plans was reversed when they started and it could not change because the money spent already? the building was built facing the parking lot instead of the sea
  • Island boy (18/12/2022, 10:14) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow, imagine our own government trying to stall the progress. Speedys’ been doing this trip years back, no issues. Now because there’s no need to stop in to Road Town & deal with those nasty attitudes, it’s a problem. Wake up people, like Sister Joyce said, it’s all coming out now, sounds like envy.
  • ok (18/12/2022, 11:12) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Foolisness
  • Hmm (18/12/2022, 11:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is she something in tourism? then she needs to work on this issue. Not vgers alone will use the ferry, tourist will be on it too so she need to put her foot down and get this unblocked.
    • Yes (18/12/2022, 15:21) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      And that is what she has been doing for the past year plus. The district does nothing. Many tourist been looking forward to this speedys run. Ports do your job
  • Wantstoknnow (18/12/2022, 14:38) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Can anyone tell me how many persons travel to Stt from VG daily or weekly?
  • VG (18/12/2022, 23:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply

    Where is the minister for tourism/junior minister ?Cat take your tongue
    People of VG stand your ground.You see our ratings internationally we didn't get here by no GOVT hand out it's our genuine abilities AND LOVE FOR VG not politics.I know of Tolians coming to VG to take speedy's non stop to StThomas to avoid Tola.rude customs/Immigration long lines.They will stay with fam/friends travel home next day.One VG you guys got no one to look out for us.Four years now to make configurations last minute come on no more of the sh**.

  • Relic (19/12/2022, 00:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shereen is a waste of time. One termer who fought tooth and nail with her colleagues with nasty bad words she does not get what she want.

    No vote of confidence here.
  • 007 (19/12/2022, 15:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dem man so is wa running tings back and forth under everybody nose. Put a stop to it all.
  • please (19/12/2022, 20:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow


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