RT & VG Ports To Be Renamed After Ferry Operators
It has been disclosed that two of the local ports will in the near future be renamed after pioneer ferry service providers. This disclosure was...
The mention was made by the Premier while addressing the renaming of the Central Administration Complex after former BVI Leader, Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal. In making the disclosure, Hon. Fahie said that the Ports Board recommend that Road Town Jetty be named after Smith’s Ferry founder, Ira Smith, and the VG dock be named after Edwin Allan George, the founder of Speedy’s Ferry.
The Premier said that the Board of the BVI Ports Authority passed resolutions for those renaming, and that he will be bringing the matter forward.
About George and Smith
Edwin George also known as Speedy died on 28 March, 2018; and was most known for his business Speedy’s which he and Nidia George started in the 1960's. One of the great stories about the humble beginnings is the fact that the business was started with only one taxi cab. Since then it has grown to offer island tours, car rentals, deep sea fishing, boat charters and the of course the ferry service.
Speedy’s ferry is one of the main connector between Tortola and the sister island Virgin Gorda. The company began years ago with its first ferry, 'Adventure'. Now newer, bigger ferries have joined the fleet ensuring a comfortable and reliable inter island scheduled service.
Over the years the ferry company has offered a weekly shopping trip to St. Thomas, acted as a 'Water Ambulance', and performed Coast Guard rescues.
On the other hand Ira Smith was one of the Territory’s most noted Architects, Boat Builder, and Captain. He died on 5 April, 2018.
In 1986 Smith founded Smith’s Ferry Service which is one of the main interisland transport companies. This ferry service not only connects the British and United States Virgin Islands but also the sister islands with the main island Tortola.
Ira was the Territory’s first local Architect and Town Planner. He attained his training from the New York Institute of Technology. His architectural works includes the design of the Social Security Building, and the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall; and he also did the drawings for the Elmore Stoutt High School L-shaped building.