By L.K. Hewlett
St. Kitts Reporter
A company operating out of Nevis is seeking to ‘revolutionise’ transport between St. Kitts and Nevis.
A fixed link between the twin islands via the stretch of sea between the extreme end of the South East Peninsula in St. Kitts and Hurricane Hill in Nevis has been the subject of debate over the years.
Sea Bridge (St. Kitts/Nevis) Incorporated, spearheaded by Rawlinson Isaac, feels that they have provided the easiest and cheapest alternative to building a physical bridge to connect the islands.
“I know first hand that an actual bridge between the islands would provide numerous benefits for our people, but realistically, such a venture would place enormous economic financial burden on the federal government. Assuming that they would undertake the financial obligation of such a venture, you are looking at an estimated EC$430 million project. What my company has done, is provide a means for people to traverse the Narrows at their convenience and at an economically feasible rate,” Isaac said.
During his sit down with The Observer, Isaac admitted that he had fancied being able to hop into his vehicle and ‘make a run’ over to St. Kitts to visit his hometown, Cayon. This sentiment, he said, was the driving force that brought about his company and this new form of transportation.
“I know there are other boats that can take cars across the sea, but their capacity is limited and the prices do not suit everyone’s pocket. The vessel that we have brought in can accommodate about 15 vehicles and over 100 people. The boat is designed to carry vehicles, passengers and cargo so it can serve a multitude of purposes. The aim though, is to transport vehicles with their passengers but persons can transport larger, bulky cargo like building materials. When there is a big event in St. Kitts or Nevis, you can take your vehicle over and return home when it is over, even when the event takes place late into the evening,’ he said.
Isaac said that everything should be in place to begin making the trips back and forth, starting around late June to accommodate those wanting to attend the St. Kitts Music Festival.
He explained that he planned to create a party atmosphere aboard the vessel, providing music and a well stocked bar.
“The boat is perfectly suited for that sort of thing. It has a lovely deck and there is plenty of space down below as well. It only takes 15 minutes to get across and even though the Narrow is generally rough, this vessel takes it very smoothly. We’ve made the test run and trust me, it’s a lovely trip,’ he said.
Isaac said the pier in Nevis was ready and that the area where the vessel will dock at Major’s Bay was almost complete. It is proposed that the Sea Bridge will operate a schedule that will facilitate 10 trips per day or as is dictated by the market. Isaac noted that during times of high traffic and great demand, the boat would make as many trips as is desired to accommodate travellers.
“This provides a great opportunity for the tourism sector as the development of the Peninsula will drive the economic growth for the area. It will provide more employment opportunities for Kittitians when more business ventures are attracted to the area. Significant events on both islands such as Culturama, Music Festival, Carnival and major sporting events can enjoy greater support due to the ease of travel that the Sea Bridge would provide,” Isaac commented.
He said that a one-way fare would most likely be in the EC $75 range, which would include the vehicle and driver, and that any additional passenger would each pay $15.
The 135 ft vessel is currently docked at Long Point Pier in Nevis where some technicians and crew are carrying out the finishing touches before the vessels makes its official maiden voyage.
