In an official message sent to customers of Anedaga Express, the management of the ferry service which provides crucial transportation to and from Anegada said:
“Anegada Express would like to inform our customers, that regrettably, due to the severe economic constraints brought about by the COVID pandemic and the economic uncertainties facing us all, our ferry service has been put in a position where the company has been forced to cease operation effective immediately until economic conditions allow for services to resume. We sincerely apologize for any and all inconveniences caused as we tried our best to serve the public interest even to the company’s detriment. This decision has been a very difficult and made with a heavy heart in solidarity with the residents of Anegada.”
In an invited interview with our team of reporters Owner of Anegada Express Mr. Doug Riegels expressed his frustration and disappointed with the lack of support from the VIP administration to whom he said encouraged him to begin this service in the first instance.
Riegels said his services where requested by the VIP administration to which he made a conscious financial effort to make it happen. Since its inception, he said he has received no subsidies from the BVI Government in order to assist in the effective running and maintenance of the company. “I just can’t run this show alone anymore; it is an impossible task without government assistance. The whole reason for doing the ferry was to keep Anegada on the map and running during these very difficult times. It has served as a very important aspect for the business community on Anegada.” Doug Riegels
Additionally, another factor working against the private company is that while it is of great necessity to the Anegada community, there is not enough clients utilizing the service to maintain it. Anegda Express is one of two private boat companies running ferry services to and from Anegada.