Ferrymen stopped serving Pinel

Four ferrymen who operate the Cul de Sac-Pinel journey ceased their activity since Monday 5 December - until further notice. They protest against the arrival of a fifth captain, yet authorized by the Maritime Affairs. His application was well-crafted, it would be illegal to prevent him from doing his business, said the prefecture. The representation of the State also consulted the ferrymen in may - without getting any response from them ever since.

The Chief of staff, Emmanuel Effantin, and the Director of Maritime Affairs Michael Wery met them yesterday to listen to the arguments of each stakeholder. The ferrymen claim they had an agreement with former Mayor Albert Fleming, whereby only four operators would be allowed to carry passengers up to Pinel. If there is no written record of the agreement, the four Captains are not prone to share their earnings. The situation remains unchanged, at such point that they are speaking of a status quo. Meanwhile, the restaurants on the islet are deserted. One of them is also closed since Monday. 

The company (one of the shareholders being Ms. Larmonie) which plans to build an eco-lodge on the islet, has estimated in its presentation report on the project, that 80,000 visitors come to Pinel each year.

(Illustration photo).