Additional flights and sailings are expected as Tobago prepares for the usual influx of visitors during the upcoming Easter period.
During a press briefing on Sunday, Tobago House of Assembly Secretary of Youth Empowerment and Sport, Keigon Denoon, said that following discussions with government officials, persons wishing to visit Tobago during the Easter period can expect improvements in travel arrangements on both the sea and air bridges.
“So you would be aware that Easter in Tobago is always oversubscribed, and, thankfully, with the relationship that we have with the Central Government, they have given their commitment to ensuring that additional flights would be made available. We are currently in the process of seeing how best we can have our jet service the air bridge during that period, and so you can look forward to having additional flights being made available to the public of Tobago during that period.”
Mr. Denoon noted that while there is still room for improvement in travel arrangements for visitors during the Easter period, he commended the Central Government for its willingness to assist.
“I am not satisfied, especially given the fact that my community benefits significantly from Easter as well in Buccoo and Mt Pleasant, being in charge of both of the biggest events during that period. However, what I have seen is a significant willingness to do better as it pertains to the sea and air bridge and so in conversations with the Minister with responsibilities for transport we have seen that there is a significant willingness to assist during that period.”
The THA Secretary stressed that efforts are being made to ensure that visitors wishing to travel to Tobago can be accommodated by either sea or air. He explained that the Tobago House of Assembly has also been in discussions with the Port Authority.
“The aim is to have all the vessels ready for Easter. I know both are currently undergoing repairs. Once those repairs are completed in time, they would be ready for Easter. If not, the Galleons Passage would also be available to take off some of the strain, but we are ensuring that everybody who wants to be here in Tobago would be able to come, whether by air or by sea. As an administration, we are mindful of the challenges that people face coming to the island, so we are trying our best to ensure that you have the smoothest possible experience in getting to the island.”
Two staple events on Tobago’s Easter calendar are the Mt. Pleasant Sports and Family Day, scheduled for April 6th, and the Buccoo Goat and Crab Race, which takes place on April 7th.