Former ferry operator misses being on the open sea

For about three decades, former ferry operator George 'Washy' Grant enjoyed an envied bird's eye view of the Kingston Harbour, as he made a career transporting goods and passengers from downtown Kingston to Port Royal.

But his journey into sea transportation started from his childhood, as the 76-year-old confessed that he always loved the sea. Ironically, he never ventured into the waters, even though he secured employment at the now defunct Harbours Department as an assistant store man. He was in charge of checking the condition of the boats and ordering parts for the damaged ones. After four years, the Port Authority took control of the department in 1970s and Grant was deployed to work on the ferry as a line man.

"The man who used to drive the ferry saw that I was really interested in the ferry and he said I must come beside him and watch him steer. I watched him, and saw how him go through the sea and I got the chance to try. He was beside me and I did what he did and I go through the sea and he said 'that's the way I want you to do it!' and from there I put everything into it," he related. Grant was soon promoted to ferry driver.

On his first official voyage, the Montego Bay Boys' School graduate said that he was confident enough to carry about 140 passengers to shore safely. Undertaking three trips daily, as the solo driver, Grant's smile broadened as he shared that he looked forward to Sundays the most. Passengers included students, higglers, market peddlers and residents of Port Royal. They paid their various fares, which according to Grant was at least $70 at the time, to travel across the harbour.

"The beauty about the ferry, for me, was getting the passengers from point A to point B, knowing that I do it to the best of my ability," Grant told THE STAR. Grant also marvelled at the aquatic life that danced with the waves as the ferry made its trips.

"You can see dolphins, you can see when the birds are flying overhead, it was very beautiful out there," he said. However, when the disheartening news broke that the ferry service would be discontinued, Grant shared that he was left distraught.

"To be honest, I miss the ferry. You enjoy the cool breeze, you can see everything out at sea, you can see the ships when them come in. It was such a nice ride, I'm telling you the truth. Some people just come to get the ride to Port Royal, eat a fish and drink a beer and go home. It was a good thing," Grant said from his home in Port Royal. But with news of the revitalisation of the railway, the father of nine surmised that one day, the ferry may be revamped too, in celebration of Jamaica's 60th anniversary of Emancipation.

"I think they should start back. People will take the ferry for the experience and for the means of transportation. It will be good to bring back life to Port Royal but I know work would have to be done over here, to put in a proper walk down there [fishing village] and maybe have a craft village. As time go by, it will catch on," he said.