Jaden Sun
Following an earlier release with news from the Premier’s office a release on Friday, the Government of Montserrat says it is pleased to announce (confirming further) that the ferry service between Montserrat and Antigua will resume on Friday, December 2, 2016. This followed an announcement made by the Premier earlier in the week about the agreement for contract been reached.
In a rare press conference seemingly called to introduce the captain of the ‘Jaden Sun’ on Thursday, November 24, 2016, Honourable Premier Donaldson Romeo indicated to the press that the Government of Montserrat has entered a 10-month ferry services contract with the Ferry Operator Jaden Inc. of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Jaden Inc. is the owner of the fast ferry Jaden Sun which has the capacity to carry 218 passengers and some small cargo. During the press conference owner and Captain of Jaden Sun Elvis Gooding, expressed his enthusiasm in offering his company’s services to Montserrat and pledged his commitment to the Government and people of Montserrat. Captain Gooding confirmed that the Jaden Sun is the same size as the Carib Sun the last ferry to service the prime run of Antigua-Montserrat, but that the ferry was differently configured with two decks enabling the ferry to house more passengers. He also said that the ferry was much more capable to handle the water specifically between Montserrat and Antigua.
Jaden Sun is expected to operate up to six days per week between Montserrat and Antigua with the possibility of occasional excursions to St Kitts, Nevis, Guadeloupe and St. Maarten.
Ticket prices are expected to remain the same as follows:
Round Trip Adults – EC $300
Round Trip Children under 12 years – EC $150
Round Trip 0 – 2 years – EC $50
Jaden Sun ferry – https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GOEI3M98dXk
Premier on Monday announced that ferry services will resume on Friday, December 2.
A release from the office stated that the “On Monday 21st, November, the Government of Montserrat entered into a contract with Jaden Inc. of St. Vincent and the Grenadines owners of the vessel, Jaden Sun.
“Jaden Sun is registered in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and captained by Elvis Gooding. The crew is provided by Jaden Inc.; however, the vessel commits to employ and train Montserrat nationals whenever possible.
“The vessel, will operate up to six days weekly with services to and from Montserrat to Antigua. A detailed travel schedule will soon be released.
“The Jaden Sun with a passenger capacity of 218 will begin operation on December 2nd, 2016 and will also provide luggage and small cargo services. It will be based at Port Little Bay, Montserrat, with additional accommodation to dock at the Old Plymouth Jetty as required.”
Montserrat has been without a ferry service since April 2016 when the contract with Caribe Sun was not renewed. The Department for International Development (DfiD) took over procurement of the ferry after previous attempts by the Office of the Premier to negotiate a new service provider were unsuccessful.
“Accommodation for additional ports of call will be made and will include countries such as; Nevis, St. Kitts, Guadeloupe and St. Maarten.
