As repair work continues on the Cabo Star cargo vessel following a fire last week, Tobago businessmen are calling on the T&T Inter-Island Transportation Company (TTIT) to say when the vessel will return to the seas.
On Wednesday, consumers in Tobago began snatching up loaves of Kiss bread and bakery products as soon as they were placed on shelves. Business owners said there was a demand for bread as people feared delivery from Trinidad would slow down because of the Cabo Star being out of service.
Curtis Williams, president of the Tobago Division of the T&T Chamber of Commerce, said businesses have taken a hard hit since the ferry went out of service on August 23rd.
He said: “Our members are asking questions and they are running out of stock.
“It’s a dire problem that we are going to face if that vessel does not come into service soon, by this weekend. We already see flour and some of the main ingredients in making bread is (sic) not available and is getting scarce by some of the wholesalers.”
Williams said: “They have to give us some definite feedback…so we would be able to plan accordingly (if not) then we will have to talk with someone in a little more authority.
“We can’t continue like this, we need some sort of relief coming forward,” he said, adding that the problem with the vessel seemed to be worse than anticipated.
Vilma Lewis-Cockburn, the CEO of the T&T Inter-Island Transportation Company (TTIT) said she could not give an exact date as to when the Cabo Star would become operational.
She said trucks would be accommodated on the three passenger vessels in service including the Buccoo Reef, the APT James and the Galleons Passage. However, she said there is a weight restriction for the passenger vessels.