WHILE THOUSANDS OF BARBADIANS joined in festive celebrations across the island to ring in the new year, the mood was sombre for over 120 patrons and staff sailing on the final MV Harbour Master cruise on Saturday night.
Minutes before sailing off at 10 p.m., Captain John Moore, who has been commanding the vessel since its inception over 15 years ago, told the DAILY NATION he had thought about the final voyage and it was “a sad feeling”.
“Looking back at what we have done over the years and in particular the last seven years, it will be missed and it is a sad occasion. It is not a good feeling, to be honest with you. The worst thing about it is not that the vessel
is going, but that so many people will miss the vessel,” said Moore with tears welling up in his eyes.
The 100-foot long, 40-foot wide cruise vessel owned by Coastal Holdings Limited will be leased to a company in Trinidad.
About 15 people would no longer be employed on the vessel while two staff members are expected to continue their employment in Trinidad.
The MV Harbour Master has for over 15 years been a venue for fund-raising events for many schools, social clubs and political parties. It operated a minimum of seven and a maximum of 12 cruises per week during its operations here.
Ralph Alleyne, 44, has been a deejay on the four-deck vessel from its inception. “I am a bit down. I never thought I would have seen this day come. I actually thought that I would have retired and passed on the baton to somebody else. I am going through a lot of emotions.
“I am sure a lot of people in Barbados can’t believe that a household name like Harbour Master will actually leave these shores to go to Trinidad,” said Alleyne, noting that he believed “the safe environment Harbour Master provided” would be missed most.
He added: “[Saturday night], I will never forget – and my first sail back in 1996. I think the night will stand out in my mind more than any other”.
He said one challenge for him was adjusting to the various groups who came on the cruises over the years.
“There were the young, the old and church groups – as opposed to when you go to a fete you know it is just a fete time,” he said.
Kenrick Leacock, a crew member and part of the medical team, was also one of the first people to work aboard the vessel, ushering in passengers.
Leacock said it was “very hard” to haul in the mooring line for the last time.
“It is hard because I am going to miss the boat and the staff. Over the years, everything went smoothly. We are going to really miss it,” he said.
Marva Alleyne has been a loyal passenger on the Harbour Master at least once per week since its maiden voyage. She said “it will be sadly missed”, when asked how she felt now that the vessel would no longer be sailing in Barbados’ waters.
The consensus among some final sailors was that the Jolly Roger “will get more business”.
At approximately five minutes past ten, the Harbour Master pulled away from shore without the usual fanfare of music and merriment.
