On one of the heaviest travel days of the year, ferry service from the Waterfront is limited to two (2) ferries, with the last ferry for the day leaving at 11am for St. Thomas. 

Through calls from frustrated travelers to our newsroom, guests have had to return to their hotels, and locals to their homes, and forced to rebook flights. Some travelers have resorted to booking private charters. A travelers worst nightmare. 

In reaching out to one ferry company, we were advised that the schedule was finalized months ago between the ferry companies and BVI Port Authority. 

“One would think that the entities involved would be experienced enough to understand the industry they work in.” One very irritated customer said. 

“It’s a known fact that New Year’s Day is a busy travel day.” Another said. 

We are not sure how and why this error in judgment was made by the stakeholders. 

“The Premier who is responsible for tourism continues to talk about numbers in tourist arrivals, but is clearly missing the point of developing a proper tourism product.” Local resident and traveler that has been caught up in today’s fiasco. 

We also understand that the issue is further compounded with two (2) cruise ships in port today January 1, and one of the larger ferries that usually does the St. Thomas run, has committed to run cruise passengers, leaving a smaller ferry to do the St. Thomas run instead, thereby impacting numbers.