The Minister of Transport, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, held a press conference this morning regarding enhanced ferry service to St George’s. Following Minister Furbert’s remarks, the area Members of Parliament, Renee Ming and Kim Swan and the Mayor of Corporation of St. George, Quinell Francis, gave brief comments.
REMARKS: The Hon. Wayne Furbert JP MP, Minister of Transport
Good morning.
As media members will know, the St. George's community has expressed a strong desire for consistent and enhanced ferry services, particularly during the summer season. This sentiment has been conveyed through various means, including multiple meetings held to discuss the matter at hand.
Additionally, I have personally addressed numerous phone calls from concerned individuals regarding the provision of ferry services to the St. George’s community.
Since our first stakeholder group meeting with the Corporation of St. George on March 15th and the follow-up meeting on June 8th, I committed to work closely with the Marine and Ports Team to ensure the implementation of a dependable and regular weekly service to St. George’s.
This morning, I am pleased to announce the commencement of enhanced ferry service to St George's.
Residents and visitors are able to enjoy a convenient ferry ride to St. George's every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, departing from Hamilton with a stop in Dockyard. The three-day ferry service, which started on June 5th, will continue through August 31st.
In addition, we have added two Saturday dates to accommodate the large cruise ships that are scheduled to arrive on:
- Saturday: July 15th – the Liberty of the Seas and Carnival Venezia, carrying approximately 9,500 cruise passengers
- Saturday: August 12th - Liberty of the Seas and Carnival Venezia carrying approximately 9,500 cruise passengers
An additional date on Thursday October 26th to accommodate passengers on the Escape and Carnival Venezia – carrying approximately 10,000 cruise passengers is also provided.
The schedule additions result from a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Transport and the St George's community, reflecting our shared commitment to providing a valuable and advantageous ferry service. Our aim is to ensure St George's businesses and residents benefit from the enhanced ferry service. The Ministry of Transport remains committed to continually improving the island's transportation infrastructure catering to the evolving needs of our residents and visitors. The ferry services run by the Department of Marine and Ports Services offers a convenient, efficient, and scenic mode of transportation across the island.
I am encouraging residents to take advantage of the newly enhanced ferry service to explore the historic town of St. George's. I've heard Bermudians say it's too long to drive to St George's or Dockyard. Now's your opportunity to ditch the car and ride the ferry. Make a day of it. Park your car, hop on the ferry, and 'cool out" for the day in St George.
Residents, we want you to experience what visitors to Bermuda enjoy a convenient, comfortable and relaxing ferry ride. The updated schedule will be posted today on www.marineandports.bm website.
Thank you.