Commissioner Hopes For V.I. Pride in New Ferry Name

Officially, the contest to name the new St. John-St. Thomas ferry is open to all suggestions, Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel said Wednesday, but he hoped the name would emphasize the character of both islands and a general sense of Virgin Islands pride.

The ferry-naming sweepstakes, which ends March 22, has generated scores of suggestions in less than a week. Some recognize people who helped shape the USVI marine industry, while others are more playful, whimsical and winsome. Names that emphasize debauchery, like Rum Runner or Bar-racuda or Booze Cruiser, don’t have much of a chance of being chosen by Public Works’ informal naming committee. The ferry carries more than tourists and bar hoppers. It’s a daily commuter route and school bus for St. John children attending classes on St. Thomas.

Gabriel didn’t have suggested names, only a charm he hoped could be captured: community, culture, the unique USVI spirit.

“The naming of a vessel is something that really signifies the soul, if you will, of the vessel,” Gabriel said. “I wanted to give the public a chance to weigh in because this is our ferry, this is their ferry.”