Minister Crockwell On Ferry Charter Situation
The new Government of Bermuda decided “not to gamble with Bermuda’s reputation as a tourist destination and instead do what it could to ensure the safe, efficient transfer of passengers from Dockyard,” Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell said this morning [Mar 15] in the House of Assembly.
Minister Crockwell said, “The ferry charter will cost the Government $1.2 million dollars, some of which will be recouped from passengers as it is not a free service.
“The other option available to the Government was the outright purchase of a new boat which would cost approximately $6 million dollars and would require considerable infrastructure improvements, including expanding of maintenance facility capabilities, additional maintenance staffing, constructing a dock for year-round berthing and additional crewing. We deemed that the leasing of the ‘Millennium’ was the most viable and cost effective option.”
This situation had created labour unrest, with ferry service suspended for just over 24 hours as the Marine & Ports workers expressed dissatisfaction with the way matters were handled.
Addressing that aspect, Minister Crockwell said, “The President of the BIU called the charter ‘privatisation’. Mr. Speaker, temporarily adding a vessel to the fleet is not privatisation by any stretch of the imagination, but that is what this noise is all about.
“The Millennium charter will be a temporary solution that will allow us to service existing vessels, provide our fleet’s engines with some relief, and of course transport our guests around the Island. I regret that instead of celebrating the solution and asking how the Union could benefit, they only sought a way to disrupt.”
Minister Crockwell’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to address this Honourable House and the People of Bermuda on the recent comments in the media concerning the proposed leasing of the “Millennium”; a ferry that the Government intends to charter for a six-month period to assist with the unprecedented tourist arrivals that we are expecting in Dockyard this Season.
Mr. Speaker, As Honourable Members will know, last year in particular, our cruise tourists that arrived at Dockyard suffered from a deficit of public transportation during critical times. There were comments on the internet, the Daily ran front page pictures of waiting tourists, and also interviewed a few who complained and lamented about what they perceived as chaos.
To address this perennial situation, over the years the Government has permitted mini-buses to operate at the pier; has allowed taxis to offer rates comparable to the mini-buses; has utilized all of its buses and ferries at its disposal; and has worked with the cruise lines to attempt to stagger the passengers so they are not all arriving and trying to get transportation at the same time.
And notwithstanding all of those efforts, we still witnessed the unacceptable scenes last summer, and tourists were dissatisfied. This year the Government, being cognizant of the challenges from last year, was keen to avoid a repeat of that experience.
Mr. Speaker, many of the challenges last Summer were due to maintenance issues with our ferry fleet, but given the arrivals this year, it was clear to my Technical Officers that even if the fleet was operating at 100%, we would still need more lift in order to manage our tourists, while maintaining our normal ferry service for residents throughout the summer.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to the issues last year, in 2013 the People of Bermuda will be welcoming the Norwegian Breakaway; the largest cruise ship to ever grace our shores. This ship will be carrying 4,000 passengers and approximately 2000 crew.
The Breakaway will be arriving on Wednesdays and departing on Fridays at the same time as the Celebrity Summit; consequently, between May and September, 9000 passengers and crew will be in Dockyard between Wednesdays and Fridays.
Mr. Speaker, it was against that backdrop that the new Government of Bermuda decided not to gamble with Bermuda’s reputation as a tourist destination and instead do what it could to ensure the safe, efficient transfer of passengers from Dockyard. Although we need to cater for our tourists, the ferry will not be exclusive to tourists, so Bermudians will also travel on it.
Mr. Speaker, the ferry charter will cost the Government $1.2 million dollars, some of which will be recouped from passengers as it is not a free service. The other option available to the Government was the outright purchase of a new boat which would cost approximately $6 million dollars and would require considerable infrastructure improvements, including expanding of maintenance facility capabilities, additional maintenance staffing, constructing a dock for year-round berthing and additional crewing. We deemed that the leasing of the “Millennium” was the most viable and cost effective option.
Mr. Speaker, the ferry charter includes a Captain and an Engineer from the charter company, and the rest of the crew will be Bermudian. I think it is worthwhile to repeat that last phrase: the entire crew of the Millennium, other than the Captain and Engineer will be Bermudian. This in effect may very well create jobs for the upcoming summer period.
The benefits of chartering a ferry are many and I do not intend to list them all here today, but it would be remiss of me not mention a few. Accordingly the benefits include:
- increased capacity to meet the demands of the Norwegian Breakaway;
- provide relief for the existing ferry fleet so that improved maintenance can be undertaken throughout the season;
- increased ferry service frequency and reliability from Dockyard to Hamilton and from Dockyard to St. George’s;
- provide backup support during peak times when ships arrive and depart;
- extending the life span of the existing fleet by operating for fewer service hours;
- enhancing the tourism product by providing more frequent and reliable ferry service; and,
- improving the economy of St. George’s by providing additional and dedicated ferry lift.
That is why the Government made the decision it did, and why we chose to make provisions earlier, rather than make excuses later.
Mr. Speaker, I now turn to the recent controversy placed in the media. The President of the Bermuda Industrial Union has made a lot of noise about this arrangement and he knows what you now know; that we needed more lift, that our fleet is aging and needs maintenance, and that we are receiving the largest ship ever in Bermuda in 2013.
He knows it because this subject was discussed in a Joint Consultative Committee meeting between Marine & Ports management and BIU Division officers held on 30th January 2013 were they discussed the need, the options, and the solution. If that was not enough, weeks ago I also personally met with the President of the Marine and Ports Division of the BIU and told him what we were planning; there was only agreement, no conflict.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that during these difficult economic times we all must embrace the motto that was championed by Dr. E.F. Gordon, Ms Barbara Ball, and Mr. Ottiwell Simmons which is ‘United We Stand, but Divided We Fall’. In Bermuda in 2013, the BIU no longer owns that phrase and that call to arms; it is a national mind-set that we must all follow and believe because I can tell you Mr. Speaker, the stakes are truly that high.
Mr. Speaker, less than a month ago we sat in this esteemed Honourable House and heard some sobering data about the state of our economy. Last week, the Finance Minister said the Government needed to raise millions just to keep operating; but yesterday, we had the Union call a meeting that left hardworking Bermudians stranded in Hamilton at five o’clock. If that was a united front, then I wonder with whom they were united?
What I really find frustrating, is not just that the charter is a good idea, not just that it is the most economical option available, but that the charter will actually create jobs. Yes Mr. Speaker, as I said, the boat is only coming with a Captain and Engineer; everyone else will be Bermudian; the charter will cause us to hire people to serve on it. This is potentially a win/win situation.
The President of the BIU called the charter “privatisation”. Mr. Speaker, temporarily adding a vessel to the fleet is not privatisation by any stretch of the imagination, but that is what this noise is all about. The Millennium charter will be a temporary solution that will allow us to service existing vessels, provide our fleet’s engines with some relief, and of course transport our guests around the Island. I regret that instead of celebrating the solution and asking how the Union could benefit, they only sought a way to disrupt.
Mr. Speaker, I will briefly address the President’s remarks concerning “disrespect” in the time-frame of which this Government responded to his letter and I will be plain and factual. I received an email on my mobile phone at 9:30am on Wednesday during a week of Budget debates when I was in the House. I immediately forwarded the email to the requisite Technical Officers.
We then received his letter ‘By Hand’ at the Ministry at 4:45pm on Wednesday 13th March. The Acting Director of Marine & Ports met with the Union on Thursday morning 14th March at 9:30am. The Union called its meeting afterwards, and the ferries were cancelled for Thursday afternoon/evening; we could not have possibly moved any faster.
But it is curious Mr. Speaker that it was disrespectful to meet the morning following receipt of the letter, but it was not disrespectful to inconvenience hundreds of Bermudians who were just trying to get home?
Then Mr. Speaker this day dawns, and although my Technical Officers were in contact with Union Officials up to 11:00 last night seeking to determine whether their members would be returning work; regrettably the Union chose to continue its industrial action into a second day. Mr. Speaker, if the traveling public was inconvenienced yesterday because of a meeting which was not “industrial action”, then why are the ferries still not running today?
On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, and the Department of Transport, I apologise to our commuters who continue to suffer inconvenience and displacement due to this illegal action. With that, all that is left for me to say is that I look forward to welcoming record number of cruise tourists, and trust that the transportation plans we have unveiled will increase visitor satisfaction.
Thank You, Mr. Speaker!
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Articles that link to this one:
- PLP: Overseas Ferry Charter Is ‘Very Disturbing’ | Bernews.com | March 31, 2013
“We then received his letter ‘By Hand’ at the Ministry at 4:45pm on Wednesday 13th March. The Acting Director of Marine & Ports met with the Union on Thursday morning 14th March at 9:30am. The Union called its meeting afterwards, and the ferries were cancelled for Thursday afternoon/evening; we could not have possibly moved any faster.”
So Mr. Furbert is lying then…
No,someone is just not being honest…
The BIU have earned no “points” from their wild cat strike. They just remind everyone that the PLP/BIU have not changed. If the BIU/PLP make any attempts to scuttle this summer’s tourist season, then Bermuda will not be very foregiving.
CF lie, never happens
Minister Crockwell,
You are a class act mate. Thank you for a factual and well delivered summary of events. Keep up the good work.
Agreed, this makes perfect sense. This would never have come from a certain prior government.
You still haven’t solved the Furbert problem.
We need to get an injunction that holds the union officers personally responsible for any and all unauthorized work stoppages. Otherwise we’ll be back in the same situation next month, and the month after that, and the month after that …
no you wont tats why it was done now in the off seasonwould you rather they do it when the ferry came in?
I think that the BIU with its current leadership has proven to be more disruptive than anything else. Very knee jerk and ignorant.
They either need to;
1. Change the leadership or
2. Disband.
Why is it neccessary for everyone to “down tools” when they at the Marine and Ports have representatives?
not “down tools”
Spit pacifier out, throw toys out of crib…..
option 1 is blindingly obvious
I find it very interesting that the Minister thinks -“The other option available to the Government was the outright purchase of a new boat which would cost approximately $6 million dollars”- If they have $1.2 million to rent a a boat for 6 months then why can’t they FIX the BROKEN boats that are already in the Fleet.
Go to dockyard. Currently 2 of the fast ferries are out of the water being worked on. They are getting things done believe it or not. Occured shortly after the OBA came to be as well. So things are getting done. Its not an overnight job. Heck just imagine if PLP was still in and we didn’t get this extra boat. 9000 tourists every week stuck in dockyard. Our current transport system can’t handle anywhere near that.
I hope your right,what happens if the issue still arises what will you say then?
Let me spoon feed this to you so that you understand. The govt doesn’t have any money to purchase a new boat, maintain it, park it and staff it. There is already a budget to fix our existing fleet of ferries but if you have visited dockyard lately you will see 3 (2 fast) ferries up on the docks undergoing repairs.
The 1.2 million to be spent of renting a boat for the six months that it is needed will be recouped (maybe not all the money) from the fees from the riders. But the biggest loss would be if there is no extra ferry and one or more of our ferries breaks down during the peak season leaving visitors and locals stranded.
He is trying to avoid this. If we have issues transporting people around this year then the ships may not come next year…..do you understand???
Amazed – do you read and understand what was said – the fllet needs repairs and how is this to be done and transport the tourists? This is only a stop gap measure to get the fleet up and running.
The next step is to actually get some private mechanics there to get things working.
you have not a clue as to what you are saying trust me!!!
What amazes me is that after the real facts come out, there are still blithering idiots who can’t follow the story.
Your one of those that believe everything they read huh? And have put your last hopes in government. Smh
These boat don’t fix themselves overnight, especially when the PLP didn’t bother investing in stockpiling spare parts
Thankfully the ferries do not run on tyres or we would have been in even a worse situation!!!
nice to look back… http://bernews.com/2012/07/obas-gordon-pamplin-responds-to-transport-minister/
anyhow, that’s not related…. well, somewhat, why did the union not strike on seeing the apparent neglect of the ferries which could have potentially caused them harm as well….
Anyway, so what will happen then? we cannot just let this Furbert guy to let our loved ones and children be stranded? at this ailing economy, we cannot afford extra taxi pay for all this!!!
yup she hit the nail on the head so now they are the government knowing this they are ignoring the facts
Just a recommendation that full stops can make sentences a lot easier to understand otherwise the meaning of what you’re attempting to convey gets lost i mean you have to think about what the reader is thinking what time does it take after all its not a coincidence that up until now all written literature has been done this way it really makes a lot if sense
Minister Crockwell, I’m glad the OBA is not bowing down to the Union. However, it is now a matter of urgency that your government puts an end to the union. There’s several ways to do this, but I’m sure you guys know how.
A brilliant response by Mr Crockwell and a brilliant message. We are all united to get Bermuda working again. The union is not a team player and is not taking responsibility.
Mr Crockwell says that the union’s wildcat strike was illegal. It is about time that the union is made responsible when it acts illegally. Issue them a summons and let’s see them in the dock – guilty or not guilty…
sorry but this goverment looks like the last one
98 Reid Street, City of Hamilton, Bermuda. – Thats the address to an opticians. I suggest you should visit.
Another option – find as many people as possible who were left stranded by the union these past couple of days, and bring a class action suit to recover the taxi costs / loss of business. Probably not worth people’s while, but one day somebody is going to be severely inconvenienced and could have a case…
I don’t really expect Furbert to undersrtand’s Minister Crockwell’s explanation….It was in simple plain english,,no double negatives etc…far too much for Furbert to comprehend
So, once again, Furbert looks like an ass.
Hooray! Well put Minister.
The biu and the plp are FINISHED!
They Are Not Wanted in Bermuda.
@nuffin, You do realize that the PLP and BIU memberships consist of mainly Bermudians who do support them. So are you saying that Bermudians are not wanted in our very own country?
The point of the matter is that it would have been professional courtesy to alert the concerned parties. They should not have had to find out via the new printed brochures.
Secondly if we are always saying ‘BUY BERMUDA’ why are we willing to pay a foreign entity that large sum of money when THERE ARE LARGE BERMUDIAN BOATS THAT CAN OFFER SAME SERVICE…..
I am pretty sure the Minister several meetings that were conducted with the BIU management. If they didn’t advise their own members of the details of such meetings, whose fault is that?
What large Bermudian boats can handle cruise ships that have 4 thousand passengers on them? Please tell as I am on the water almost daily. Very interested to know.
I’m pretty sure all 4 thousand passengers would not be travelling at the same time first of all and the boat would have to make several trips throughout the day just as the other ferries do……..Mr. Prescott has a large vessel, “Cookie” has a large vessel as well…Was it put out to tender locally?…I don’t think so…..Why not invest that money in getting the current vessels mantained and maatained on a regular basis….At the end of the day at the moment whatever the OBA does or suggests is “golden” (not referring to you when I say this)…If the PLP had done this would peoples reaction (defending) be the same..I wonder???….probably not…..At the end of the day it would have been nice to offer the job to Bermudian vessels first…..Outside of the crew maybe buying a burger or two how much of that 1.2 million dollars will actually be spent here on the island?…At any rate I just submitted MY opinion (to which I am entitled) apologies in advanced if you are not in agreement……..IJS
Did you ever think of the fact that with two cruise ships in port that all the available local vessels were already doing boat cruises/snokeling tour and the like?
Not ALL of them are….and IF it was put to tender then THIS would have been discovered…so yeah I did think…..
it is not that easy…
I, agree that if it was not put to tender then it should have been. It’s all to easy to say that no Bermuda vessels can provide the service when you haven’t even bothered to ask.
Ride
Well it depends what you want.
Do you want to have a reasonable and workable solution to the problem, organised in advance, and designed to keep our tourists having a good time?
Or do you want to screw around for months looking for broken down ex-glass bottom boats in Bermuda that pretend they can do the same thing?
I’d think it’s obvious, but that’s just based on common sense.
@Mad Dawg
That is the whole point of putting it to tender. You have a deadline to submit your plan and the cost of your plan. Then the government selects the plan they feel works best. I fail to see what this has to do with some broken-down glass-bottomed boat.
Ride
He did alert the concerned parties. You have to actually read the article.
What large Bermudian boats, exactly, would offer the same service to tourists as a proper ferry? What are you thinking? An old glass bottom boat?
no he didnt the union took their concerns to him unannounced and he told them the same thing its not passed by the cabinet and when or if it does then they will have some answers so thats untrue
I don’t know of any privatef boat locally that would be available for 6 months to run a regular fast ferry route with a 400 passenger capacity. Any vessel that would be eligible would need to be able to be licensed and insurable as a public transport vessel (not an entertainment vessel). That means seating for 400, life saving equipment for 400 + crew, and be able to travel at fast ferry speeds. How many local vessels meet that criteria.
^ This ^
Well said Crock.
i use the public trasportation system and have used the ferry for a relaxing ride when i have the time and many times i would have loved to travel to st geo by ferry but it was always a inconsistant schedule which left me wondering WTF so i would love to have a boat to enjoy the summer cruise to the old towne and if this is a way to make it happen than i am all for it the whole public transportation system need a shot in the arm —-if you recall it was negelected by the people who cared for use the most Please Leave Politely
Great comments by the minister. We messed last year and we have learned… he has put a good plan into place so let’s rise up and be ready to welcome our tourist.
BIU step to the side cause we cant have you get involved and damage the island anymore.
the ships are arriving soon…
Well said and done Shawn!! Now let’s get rid of a$$ furbert!
The BIU needs to realise that their attempts to make difficulties for the OBA are simply hurting the Island and everyone living here, and not just the OBA
Deduct M&P staff a day and half of wages to send a message about these wildcat meetings/strikes…absolutley ridiculous that in this day and age we, the public of Bermuda, are held hostage by 1 mans team that thinks the only way to resolve an issue is through the inconvience of the Bermudian population. Strikes and downed tools and multi day meetings are a last resort option after ALL alternatives have been exhausted…not after you feel ‘disrespected’ after a short notice meeting…Furbs must go!
And get our 700 grand back too!!!
It appears that some individuals are posting comments on this blog without reading the entire article. Please read the article in its entirety before you post (or is it too much for you to read)
Chris Furbert a PLP diehard will never give up to try and disrupt this government, even if it means to conspire with other PLP diehards within the public service.
i.e. those PLP pilots!
The Minister’s remarks serve to clarify and confirm that the PLP/BIU will do anything they can to discredit the current Government regardless of the facts or Bermuda’s best interests.
The BIU is a loose cannon who’s sole 2013 purpose is to disrupt our community for their personal political gain. The BIU hierarchy have hijacked their workers’ interests in favour of recklessly preserving their deteriorating political power base.
The founders of the both the union and the PLP would be disgusted with the political football their current leadership has devolved into. Gone are the days where reason, discussion and collaboration reigned. The BIU and their executive are a joke deserving of an early retirement.
PLP/BIU – Betraying Bermudians since 1998; one unemployed and stranded voter at a time.
Spot on!
They are building up to a general strike. Shut the Island down. It’s coming!
Yep your probably right, with Chris Furbert it’s political now.
BYE WHAT !! FURBY GOT CHANTED !! L.J. NUFFIN TO SAY ! UNION GO AWAY !!
“But it is curious Mr. Speaker that it was disrespectful to meet the morning following receipt of the letter, but it was not disrespectful to inconvenience hundreds of Bermudians who were just trying to get home?
Then Mr. Speaker this day dawns, and although my Technical Officers were in contact with Union Officials up to 11:00 last night seeking to determine whether their members would be returning work; regrettably the Union chose to continue its industrial action into a second day. Mr. Speaker, if the traveling public was inconvenienced yesterday because of a meeting which was not “industrial action”, then why are the ferries still not running today?
On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, and the Department of Transport, I apologise to our commuters who continue to suffer inconvenience and displacement due to this illegal action. With that, all that is left for me to say is that I look forward to welcoming record number of cruise tourists, and trust that the transportation plans we have unveiled will increase visitor satisfaction.
Thank You, Mr. Speaker!”
Well, that is the question , that the Government should address in the future . The kind of change that needs or is demanded of by this oversight of BIU in this matter.
Clearly The BIU “needs” to disrupt the community have been met.
Sounds like Furbert has a real problem in speaking to the acting M&P head and not Minister Crockwell (he dis-resprected me??) WTF is that all about. Instead of writting a letter and email – pick up the land line and call him.
The next question is the Pilots are up in arms about the maintenance of the boats hence their concerns being raised. I think the real issue is the “lack of speed” to fix the boats is the real crux of the matter.
So my question is – “is it the Dockyard crew” who are the problem?
Some of them are real good but it always seems to be a bunch sitting around doing nothing and watching traffic.
Seems like a case of the tail wagging the dog to me?
Kriss is still reeling after his political hopes were dashed he thought he was on his way to being the next premier along side Derika Boardjest what ah joker!
Really… you are a pieceofwork, your comment sounds “personal” for sollutions lets stay on message.
(and other media) you know you have an important role to play in society, especially in cases like this which effect the nation.
Please take up that responsibility and carry out some thorough objective investigative reporting to reveal the who, what and when of this story!
If Chris Furbert can be proven to be lying/dishonest and liable to prosecution for calling illegal strike action then please reveal this. If the Government has not followed due process in informing the BIU of changes which would effect their members as mandated and the Minister has been miserly with the truth then please expose this as well!
Time for some honest brokers in positions of power! We as a country can no longer afford to be humoring people who are hell bent on preserving their jobs (and their egos) to the detriment of the rest of us and our country!
that $1,2 million would be better spent going towards parts and labour for repairs to the current fleet of ferries that are desperatley in need of it.
@metro: please take the time to read the article before posting nonsense –
“Mr. Speaker, many of the challenges last Summer were due to maintenance issues with our ferry fleet, but given the arrivals this year, it was clear to my Technical Officers that even if the fleet was operating at 100%, we would still need more lift in order to manage our tourists, while maintaining our normal ferry service for residents throughout the summer.”
Perhaps he has trouble reading….many do!
Mr. Furbert is a joke. How can you take someone seriously that is self serving and can’t even form a sentence. Ever notice that when he speaks everyone in the background is either half asleep or looking down in embarassment. Why is this man allowed to shut down PUBLIC transportation at will? Because we let him. Enough is enough.
Privatize Marine and Ports…. 2 separate contracts. 1. Operations 2. Maintenance….
That’s what Chris Furbert is afraid of.
Other jurisdictions put these services out to bid. Privatize.. Privatize… Privatize
….and include the buses at the same time!
Why is it that everybody has to be nice to the BIU when the BIU is only nice to the PLP. Money talks!!!!
Well spotted – you might also ask why the BIU/PLP hierarchy gets away with being, yes, xenophobic while anybody who questions its behaviour gets shouted down? The majority of Bermudians voted for change, so Cannonier, Fahy and Richardson, kindly get on with it and in the least give as good back as you get!
Good work Minister Crockwell.
The people are behind you 100%,keep it up.We do not want to repeat the last 14 yrs!
Maybe there is a plan to get parts for the ferry’s that are out of service as well. So people relax take a deep breath and let’s see what happens. The BIU are just throwing their weight around they need to think about the consequences of their constant blatant disregard for the traveling public in order to force their own agenda..
We face an issue, even with a a fully functional existing fleet, we would still lack the capacity to efficiently more the number of tourists expected in port during the cruise ship months and out of the cruise ship months, the number of ferries needed would be too many. The ministry’s idea to temporarily lease a ferry for the high demand months is a credible one and without a local viable option available, looking overseas for the time being is the only option. Hopefully something better can be arranged for next year
Maybe the ferry lease is the best long-term option too. Why buy a ferry to only be used for 6 months out of the year. There will not be the demand during the off-season. It doesn’t appear to make financial sense to purchase one just for the tourist season.
Chris did not get any of the pie so he is calling ‘FOUL’
I just hope last week was the last week we have such a disaster and work stoppage that affects us all.
Someone grab Chris by the HORNS and send him off to Sri Lanka… FAST!
ONE DAY COFFEE,NEXT DAY TEA!!! All I would like to know is where do we go to apply for these so called jobs that Minister Crockwell has said will be created for Bermudians! With that being said every rope has an end!!!