Travel between Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and other CARICOM countries may soon be more affordable, as regional leaders advance plans for a low-cost sea ferry system across the Caribbean.
Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, announced that a single ticket on this regional sea route could cost under US$100. The plan was outlined during a press conference following the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Jamaica, where the push to enhance regional transportation and deepen integration was a major focus.
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According to Symmonds, the initiative aims to support both the movement of goods and the affordable movement of people across islands—offering a travel model similar to what exists in parts of Europe. “The ambition is to have those costs per person well beneath US$100—making access between the islands far more competitive,” he stated.
A dedicated cargo vessel has already been identified for operations between Guyana and Barbados. Now, efforts have expanded to include the introduction of a passenger ferry service with potential stops in Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and other CARICOM territories.
Symmonds said the goal is long-term transformation—not just transportation. The project is expected to benefit regional business operations and everyday travelers alike. He painted a scenario where a businessperson in Dominica could load their van onto a ferry, travel to Barbados, collect supplies, and return—all using a single, integrated transport network.
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To make this vision a reality, the plan involves deploying “RoPax” vessels—ships that accommodate both cargo and passengers. Similar ferries are already in service between Trinidad and Tobago.
Symmonds and Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamina Johnson Smith, have been appointed as lead officials for implementation—Symmonds overseeing the southern Caribbean and Johnson Smith the northern Caribbean.
Private sector involvement is seen as critical. Early feedback from the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) has been positive, with ongoing discussions focused on cost reduction and operational logistics.
Several challenges, however, remain. These include:
- Port Infrastructure: Many regional ports will require upgrades to accommodate roll-on/roll-off vehicles and large-scale ferry services.
- Legal Harmonisation: CARICOM states must align regulations regarding vehicle registration, driver’s licences, and insurance policies to allow for seamless cross-border movement.
- Non-Tariff Barriers: Persistent trade and customs barriers must be addressed to fully unlock the potential of regional ferry systems.
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Despite these hurdles, regional authorities remain optimistic. Technical teams are actively working on solutions, and Symmonds expressed confidence that a regional sea transport network will come online once these issues are resolved.
The initiative also aligns with broader goals like food security, tourism development, and the advancement of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).
CARI Cargo Inc., the company overseeing ferry operations between Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, was established in Georgetown, Guyana in 2024. Its first operational vessel, the Galleons Passage, is expected to begin service between Guyana and Trinidad, with a future extension to Barbados.
The ferry can carry 400 passengers and 60 vehicles, and includes amenities like a cafeteria, bar, and VIP lounge. In Guyana, it will operate out of Parika in Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara).
If successful, the CARICOM ferry initiative could mark a major turning point in regional connectivity—offering practical, affordable alternatives to air travel while strengthening economic ties across the Caribbean.
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