00:00Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jolene John, when asked by TV6 News to comment on the contract of the Cabo Star coming to an end,
00:09said since the June 11th meeting with stakeholders in Tobago, a solution is being looked at in the form of a replacement vessel.
00:18She said, quote, at that time, we held frank discussions with the Tobago stakeholders relative to the service,
00:25and they then indicated their preference for the following enhanced specifications and expectations for a replacement vessel.
00:34These included a vessel with additional cabins to accommodate drivers, travelers who needed to rest.
00:40The Cabo Star has 10 cabins. Additional passenger capacity, preferably 200. The Cabo Star has 100.
00:50A vessel with service speed to make the journey in approximately five hours per crossing.
00:55The Cabo Star takes six hours on average.
00:59Minister John said since then, there has been an ongoing procurement process,
01:04which will be concluded in keeping with the term of the Cabo Star's contractual obligations.
01:10Chief Secretary Farley Augustine spoke to Minister Jolene John on Tuesday night,
01:16where it was revealed a team recently returned from Spain and Greece in search of a replacement vessel.
01:23Mr. Chief Secretary, we already went out. We have evaluation team that returned from Spain and Greece last week.
01:32And I am going to Cabinet this Thursday to present to the Cabinet the option that those that did the evaluation said we should go with.
01:40She even said to me, right now we're exploring an option for a vessel that will have as much as 100 cabins,
01:46because we listen to your stakeholders.
01:49Mr. Augustine speaking during a political meeting in the Mount St. George-Goodwood district said the contract of the Cabo Star coming to an end was no secret.
01:59First lie they're trying to tell right now is that somehow we're keeping it a secret that the Cabo Star won't be here.
02:06Since June 11th, we said to the stakeholders, it was said in my presence, that the contract for the Cabo Star will come to an end in this January.
02:21And when it comes to an end, there has to be a tender process in accordance with OPR to either one, re-engage or two, engage somebody new.
02:31So it is, it was never a secret.
02:35Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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