Dear Sir,

The controversy over the Island: GO! rideshare app has been caused by the Government's own actions. The construction of King's Wharf in the West End (at a cost overrun totalling tens of millions of dollars) has brought large ships which unload 4,000 to 5,000 passengers at a time not to mention the 1,500 crew.

Gone are the days when we had two cruise ships in Hamilton and two in St George's, spreading the influx of visitors around the island.

Granted, the number of visitors were lower, but the infrastructure of the island could cope – a question of quality over quantity. With this lower number I am guessing there would have been better tourist satisfaction, because they would be in the two towns and could walk around to visit the shops.

The buses, ferries and taxis could handle the numbers. The consequences of not having these cruise boats berthing in both towns has affected our shops where visitors would see a variety of goods they could not obtain in the US.

I remember the Government stating the smaller cruise ships were not being made and we had to accommodate the larger vessels. However, the large ships were not allowed to visit Antarctica and only smaller vessels were used.

So much for the “experts” in Government and their advisers. It appears we reap what we sow!

ANTONY SIESE

Paget