Recent updates reveal the emergence of a groundbreaking regional transport system spearheaded by the private sector, linking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations through the inception of Connect Caribe, a novel ferry service designed not only for passenger transit but also prioritiSing cargo shipments.
Connect Caribe says that the Cargo Division will be able to significantly move light goods, e-commerce packages and agriculture produce across the region, plus heavy cargo on the main cargo route.
CEO of Caribbean Israel Finance (CIF) and UN Peace Ambassador Andre Thomas is quoted as saying that the services that Connect Caribe will provide complement proposed initiatives by the Governments of Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.
“We are in talks with the governments… there is a significant discussion on how we can integrate and tackle this huge opportunity and problem. I believe that where there are problems there are opportunities. There will be significant collaboration between the service that will be done by the governments and our service,” Thomas said.
Connect Caribe views this as a game changer in the transportation industry. It indicated that the three vessels will have the capacity to transport up to 8,000 passengers, cargo, and manufactured goods and produce.
It forecasts that during the last quarter of 2024, the first phase of the estimated US$50-million project would come on-stream, following which it will be expanded to new island routes in the Caribbean Sea.
