'Disrupting our lives': Change Islands mayor disappointed with MV Veteran

The mayor of Change Islands says people who depend on the ferry service are starting to joke they need a change of clotheswhenever they get on the boat, because of ongoing problems with the MV Veteran.

"There's two places now you'd have to pack your overnight bagwhen you go out on the fishing boat and probably now when you go out on the ferry," StephenBrinson toldCBC Radio'sCentral Morning Show

TheVeteran, which runs from Farewell to FogoIslandand Change Islands,has been out of service four times since it launched last year.

The MV Beaumont Hamel will be the replacement vessel for the Veteran and air services are underway to get people back and forth from the islands.

"Well it's disrupting our lives, of course,"said Brinson.

"You have people who have doctors trips and supplies have to come and that sort of thing," he said. "With the problems with the Veteran, I guess it's been four times now she's broke down...it's sort of a bit of a disappointment that's for sure."

The ferry is supposed to be used to bring in weekly suppliesfor local stores. Brinson said they haven't noticed a shortage in food or supplies yet, but if service is disrupted for much longer it could become an issue.

He said he just wants something reliable for residents.

"Well I think from the point of the view of government of course you'd have to be a bit disappointed," he said.

"They've got two new vessels coming to Newfoundland.One is here and it's a bit of a let down because really, what you were expecting with new vessels, you were expecting improvement in the ferry operations but of course right here in Fogo and Change Islands now, we don't have improvement."

The Veteranis a beautiful vessel, said Brinson, "but it needs to be up and dependable to really be what we need."