Trident commitment "exactly what we wanted" - Herm

Wednesday 25 November 2020

Herm's management have welcomed Travel Trident’s pledge that they are "here to stay", but have hit back against the "deeply demoralising and disappointing" comments made by the ferry company's MD.

Trident recently issued a statement on Facebook, suggesting that its working relationship with Herm had "faltered" and criticising the island's current tenants.

Herm’s management have retorted with some strong words of their own, after Trident Managing Director Peter Wilcox released his own statement. 

“None of us are perfect, nor beyond criticism, but we do need to try to stick to known facts rather than speculate,” wrote the Management Team. 

“Herm’s community remains wholeheartedly committed to improving the island each year, is passionate about Herm, and resolute that the island retains its character, charm and beauty whilst delivering the standards expected in today’s world.

“That none of this appears to be considered or appreciated by Trident’s post, or in some of the comments by their Facebook followers, is deeply demoralising, disappointing and disturbing for Herm’s community.”

Pictured: Herm Management have expressed disappointment that the team's hard work on improving Herm's infrastructure, such as the recent creation of a zen garden, appears to have been overlooked by Trident's criticism of the current tenants.

Herm provided some further details on the contract that Trident described as "unrealistic", saying that Trident themselves were unwilling to negotiate the terms.

According to the post, Herm agreed that its staff would be charged for use of the Trident, but things hit the rocks when it was pointed out that those charges represented a 63% increase in the price of the contract, and moreover, that Herm had allegedly overpaid Trident a total £16,791 on previous years’ contracts.

“Herm has invited Trident to meet and discuss terms on numerous occasions, reiterating that a new contract would remain open to negotiation until both parties are satisfied with the conclusion.

“However, to date, all requests by Herm to meet to discuss contractual agreements have been rebuffed by Trident. An offer of mediation by the States [of Guernsey] has been similarly rebuffed.”

The statement also rebutted Trident’s claims that there would be "competition" for the route in the near future; while the island has purchased a new vessel, Trident remains Herm’s "preferred option" for passenger ferries, and there is "no desire or intention"| to find a replacement.

Pictured: When Trident sailings were able to resume after lockdown, but the ticket kiosk wasn't able to reopen, Herm Management claimed that it built online booking facilities at its own expense to allow Trident operations to resume.

“Herm Island is replacing the island’s own boat, ‘Little Herm,’ as it is ageing.

“The new boat, at only 14 metres, is only slightly longer than the current vessel, and will not be ready until June 2021 at the earliest.”

The replacement ‘Little Herm’ is intended primarily for staff transport, a ‘personal’ service for accommodation guests, and winter coverage when visitor numbers would be "low and unprofitable" for Trident’s larger vessels.

“It will complement, not in any way replace, Trident’s sailings. Herm recognises and greatly values that Trident’s word is their bond, and greatly value their statement that services will continue.”