Residents of Fogo Island are jittery about what kind of ferry system they will have this summer after a disastrous season last year with limited capacity to get back and forth. But government says no decision has been made.

Fogo Island Mayor Andrew Shea estimates their economy lost $11-million last year through reduced tourist activity and limited capacity for product from the fish plant. The island was serviced by a boat that could only carry about 20 vehicles.

Residents want the Veteran, but that is now stationed on the Bell Island run with the Legionnaire on the blocks.

Mayor Shea says he cannot get an answer from government even though the Kamutik W is due to leave for Labrador in the next few days.

“We cannot take another summer like the last one,” he told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly. “We had a boat last year that took two tractor trailers, nine vehicles for Fogo Island and six for Change Islands. We have a boat now that takes 120 vehicles.”

Area MHA Jim McKenna raised the issue in the House of Assembly with Transportation Minister Elvis Loveless.

“Will the minister bring the Veteran back…this summer?” McKenna asked. That decision, says Loveless “will be coming soon.”