Are you looking for a new and exciting way to explore the Caribbean? If so, you might want to check out the upcoming launch of a new ferry service that will connect Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. The ferry service, which is expected to start operations in the next three to four months, is a landmark initiative that aims to enhance regional connectivity, trade and tourism among the three countries.

The ferry service is the result of a partnership between the governments of Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, with support from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The ferry will transport both passengers and containers, offering an alternative mode of transportation for people and goods within the region.

The ferry will operate on the Galleons Passage ship, which has a capacity of about 400 passengers and can carry up to 100 vehicles. The ship, which was acquired by Trinidad and Tobago in 2018, has been refurbished and upgraded to meet the safety and comfort standards of the ferry service. The ship will also have amenities such as a cafeteria, a bar, a lounge and Wi-Fi access.

The ferry service will initially run between Port Georgetown in Guyana, Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago, and Bridgetown in Barbados. The travel time between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago is estimated to be around 24 hours, while the travel time between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados is estimated to be around 12 hours. The fares for the ferry service have not yet been announced, but they are expected to be competitive and affordable for travelers.

The service will not only benefit travelers who want to experience the diverse cultures, cuisines and attractions of the three countries, but also traders who want to access new markets and opportunities. The ferry service will facilitate the movement of agricultural products, manufactured goods and other commodities within the region, reducing transportation costs and enhancing food security. The ferry service will also comply with the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, immigration and customs regulations of each country, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey for passengers and cargo.

The launch of the ferry service is a significant step forward in achieving the regional integration goals outlined by CARICOM in its 25 by 2025 Initiative, which aims to reduce the regional food-import bill by 25 percent by 2025. The ferry service will also contribute to the economic recovery and resilience of the three countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic, creating jobs, boosting tourism and stimulating trade.

It is expected to expand its routes and destinations in the future, as talks have already begun on setting up a common regional ferry service within CARICOM. This could potentially connect other Caribbean islands such as Grenada, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Guadeloupe and Dominica, creating a pan-Caribbean network of transportation that would benefit both travelers and traders.

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