Dominicans doing business via the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique through the ferry services will from this week recommence business.
The Ferry services will resume on a phased basis. In this first phase, only 50 persons will be allowed to disembark in Dominica per trip.
Parliamentary Secretary in the ministry responsible for International Transport Shekira Lockhart Hypolite, in a statement aired on DBS radio, states that they have been working closely with agents and the Ministry of Health to establish protocols for the restart of ferry service.
According to her, Dominica has shared a long history of transportation linkages with the French Antilles which facilitated trade, tourism, and social connections.
“Due to the COVID 19 pandemic and closure of the French borders, ferry services had been halted since March 2020. Therefore, we look forward to welcoming many more visitors back to Dominica,” she stated.
She explained that travelers will require a Negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival, a Health notification of approval to travel to Dominica, upon completion of the health screening questionnaire, and a vaccination certificate if applicable.
“Upon arrival, vaccinated travelers will undergo an Antigen test and if negative, will be medically cleared. Non-vaccinated travelers will also undergo an Antigen test, followed by five to seven days of mandatory quarantine,” she said.
Meantime, Manager of Val Ferry in Dominica, Leroy “Wadics” speaking on the Hott Seat Q-95 with Matt Peltier welcomed the news of the return of ferry service after 20 months but expressed concerns at the time his company was alerted.
“I was alerted about this news over the weekend…. we did not get any or adequate time to prepare and only got a letter on Monday, November 15, 2021. I had no prior information, but it’s good news but a level platform should have been laid especially where there is competition,” Charles said.
“For us, trade has been affected, our staff was laid off and people have been left stranded. We are monitoring the situation in Guadeloupe. The service has been closed for 20 months… so we can’t have all staff, but we have not had time to fully prepare for the opening. I want a level playing field, that now, for now, is not going down well with us in Val Ferry.”
Marketing Manager at HHV Whitchurch and Company Ltd (general agents for L’Express des Iles) Michelle said that with the resumption of service, Dominicans will once again have ferry access to Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia.
“While capacity is reduced, we must ensure that all travelers adhere to protocol measures in place and to assist each other in curbing the spread of the virus while enjoying the service,” she stated.