Port Authority Approves New STJ Car Barge Schedule

The Virgin Islands Port Authority’s Board of Governors approved a temporary schedule for Island Nice to operate its “Todd G” barge to provide car ferry service between Enighed Pond, St. John and Red Hook, St. Thomas.  The board approved the service for a trial period of six months.  At the conclusion of the trial period, the board will evaluate the operation and service provided and the company’s financial standing with the Port Authority.

This additional scheduled barge will augment the existing car ferry service and is expected to reduce complaints from the public regarding extended wait times when traveling by barge between St. John and St. Thomas, said VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe. VIPA Marine Manager Captain Matthew Berry issued a new schedule to all car ferry operators effective Friday, Dec.20. The car ferry schedule during this trial period will be:

The Board also took the following actions at Wednesday’s meeting:

• Approved Webstas Aviation Services, Inc.’s request to assign its lease agreement and change its name to ATSBEW Aviation LLC to operate a flight school at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix.
• Approved a lease between VIPA and Emeka Willis, the owner and operator of Tropical Bliss Spa and Beauty Bar, for space in Building C, Unit 6 at Crown Bay Center to operate a full-scale luxury spa.
• Approved the relocation and a new lease for Suzette Descartes dba Bayside Jewelry Repair & Design for space at Building G in Crown Bay Center Store #6 beginning Oct. 1, 2019.
• Authorized the Executive Director to issue a Request for Proposals for Parcels Nos. 17 and 20 Crown Bay – No. 7B Southside Quarter seeking a developer for the property for any of the following suggested uses:restaurant, dry dock facilities, boutique and/or provide marine-related services.
• Approved Lease Amendment No. 4 for the St. Croix Racetrack at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport’s airfield allowing the appraisal and leasing of the property at fair market value pursuant to the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
• Approved the purchase of parking equipment for the Enighed Pond Gravel Lot Parking Equipment in Cruz Bay, St. John for $105,460 from Inter-Caribbean Multi Service Corp.
• Authorized the executive director to execute a $75,264 contract with Inter-Caribbean Multi Service Corp to provide and install equipment for the parking lot at the Theovald E. Moorehead Dock and Terminal at Enighed Pond, St. John. The existing equipment was damaged by the 2017 storms and is required to comply with U.S Coast Guard regulations.
• Approved a $204,576 change order for the contract between VIPA and SSVI Expert LLC for the completion of the additional work done on the CEKA airfield gut, the north ramp and apron.
• Authorized the executive director to execute a $367,587 contract with Lighthouse Marine to provide and install marine-grade rubber fenders along the waterfront bulkhead.
• Recommended VIPA’s bylaws to allow VIPA board meetings to be conducted via tele-conferencing and video conferencing – with the exclusion of executive sessions.
• Authorized the creation of three permanent parking lot attendant positions to staff the Enighed Pond Gravel Lot on St. John. The positions are currently temporary.
• Authorized the executive director to approve the proposed changes to the USW Collective Bargaining Agreement for a term of five years effective Oct. 1, 2018 through Sept. 30, 2023.

No executive session was held at yesterday’s meeting. Board members in attendance included Board Chairperson Leona E. Smith; Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte; Attorney General Denise George; USVIEDA Chairman Kevin Rodriquez; and Lee Steiner who sits on the board as a private citizen representing St. Thomas. Board members Marvin Forbes, Dr. Yvonne Thraen and Public Works Commissioner Nelson Petty Jr. were absent.  There is one vacant position on VIPA’s board.