As the M V Jaden Sun on the verge of winning a new contract for the Montserrat-Antigua ferry service, suffered some end of contract service horrors, the mischief came out of the news that there would have to be a brief break in the service.
The Government announced late last Friday 18th in an Airline release that merely said: “There will be no ferry service between Montserrat and Antigua for the period of August 20th, to August 23rd, 2017.”
That left room for the speculations and of course mis-information, that often comes from insufficient or improper information, that the Government had failed to properly negotiate a new contract for the ferry service.
Finally comes the news that the Jaden Sun gets to continue the ferry service beginning October 1, under a new contract. But in the meantime, completing their current contract the ferry suffered a break-down followed just before its scheduled service.
The sourced information said that Jaden Sun’s plans for the replacement while the scheduled service was being carried out, was unable to fill in early because the MV Lovely I, also ran
into problems to immediately fill in, on the later announced date.
Today Access Coordinator Lindsay informed, the Jaden Sun is currently on dry dock in St Vincent & the Grenadines for maintenance. The decision was taken to do an extended maintenance after it developed engine problems.
Eventually the ferry was due to arrive tomorrow, Saturday to fill in for the Jaden Sun which will be ready to pick up a new, but carrying-on ferry service. Lindsey explained that the Jaden Sun was originally scheduled to begin operations on Friday but was unable to do so because of some difficulties it encountered. He also explains the arrangements for the traveling public.
Meantime the Government announced that “while cargo services between Antigua and Montserrat, “will be suspended until the ferry resumes operation, however, persons with urgent cargo requirements.”
The Airline release had informed passengers: “All Passengers in Montserrat and Antigua, are asked to check in as normal with the Ferry Agents at the Ferry Ports and will be transported to the Airport via Bus Service.
All customers whether they have a pre-booked ticket or not will be accepted. Customers without a ticket should buy a ferry ticket directly from the Agent or book online.
Customers are asked to check in as early as possible when traveling from Antigua to Montserrat as there are limited flights available after midday.”
