CODRINGTON, Barbuda – Antigua’s sister island, Barbuda, is teaming up with volcano-ravaged Montserrat to launch a ferry service which officials said would begin operating between the three islands on  15 Dec.

Chairman of the Barbuda Council Kelvin Punter said locals would be given an opportunity of becoming part-owners of the new company, Twin Island Ferry Service, which will operate the service.
“I think the government of Montserrat has acquired 5,000 shares  and the Barbuda Council will be allocated 2,500 shares and the other 2,500 shares will be sold to Barbudans if they are interested in becoming involved in the ferry operations,” Punter told a local radio station.

“I guess if they are not taken or if the interest is not there, they will be sold in Antigua and probably in Montserrat.”

Punter said the boat, built in Norway, was fully enclosed, air conditioned and would be able to accommodate 101 passengers.

The proposed cost for a round trip is $180 but Punter said the Council was trying to find ways to reduce the cost.

“The Barbuda Council will be looking to get some subsidy somewhere along the line, whether it will be direct or with the price of the fuel…because in truth and in fact, we are looking for a national transport between Antigua and Barbuda, so the lower the fare is, it will be better for our people,” Punter said.

WinAir is currently the only means for transportation between Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat as the island hopping carrier, LIAT, does not serve those routes.  (Antigua Sun)