National

Residents Sound Off on Proposed Ferry from West End to West Palm Beach

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – West Capital Ferry is set to launch in the first quarter of 2025, dependent on approvals from the relevant authorities.

Published

1 month ago

November 14, 2024

Italia Hall

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – West Capital Ferry is set to launch in the first quarter of 2025, dependent on approvals from the relevant authorities.

The ferry service aims to provide a vital link for passengers and cargo traveling between West End, Grand Bahama and West Palm Beach, Florida.

The town hall meeting held at St. Mary Magdalene Church in West End drew a strong turnout, providing residents with a valuable opportunity to learn more about the upcoming project and voice their thoughts.

The 100% Bahamian-owned company emphasized that its mission is to make travel more accessible and affordable for Bahamians..

“Out of respect for the people of this town, is to come to your first, see what it is, how you all feel, come together, create collective ideas, to see how we can build the strip again,” West Capital Ferry President Fred Black Jr. said.

Managin Director Omar Issacs also revealed the proposed terminal will be in the back of Old Bahama Bay and there will be two sailings per week, Tuesday and Thursday.

He also said that there will be spin-off opportunities for other business owners.

They also plan to roll out a doorstep delivery trucking service, a travel agent network, all interested people will need a government issued business license.

West Grand Bahama native Richard Johnson was among those in attendance and raised several concerns about the proposed ferry service.

“I am not hearing a direct employment for West Enders, no I’m not hearing that,”Johnson said.

Johnson also claimed that a Grand Bahama Member of Parliament was unaware of the project.

This statement stirred some frustration among attendees sparking a brief murmur of discontent.

“Y’all could talk all y’all want but i gone say what i have to say,” Johnson said. “My point is this have to be about partnership, this has to be about respect and this is about following decency and order.”

The managing director responded to those comments.

“We have to get away from this one dimensional thinking that one minister, one person, we have to be able to get an approval through,” Isaacs said. “That is not the case. That is really not the case. And you’re speaking to a former investment officer with the by the Bahamas Investment Authority. I have seen multiple people come through here, but when you’re a 100 Behemoth Company. The only persons that we’re obligated to speak directly to other relevant authorities.”