According to an announcement on the company's Facebook page and website on January 5, 2021, the decision is regrettable but unavoidable.

Severe economic constraints

"Anegada Express would like to inform our customers, that regrettably, due to the severe economic constraints brought about by the COVID pandemic and the economic uncertainties facing us all, our ferry service has been put in a position where the company has been forced to cease operation effective immediately until economic conditions allow for services to resume."

Anegada Express worked the Anegada-Tortola route on Sundays, Tuesdays [hasn't been done in a while], Thursdays and Saturdays.

Two other ferry services alternate plying the same route on a fortnightly basis on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.

Difficult decision

Anegada is home to some 300 residents.

"We sincerely apologise for any and all inconveniences caused as we tried our best to serve the public interest even to the company's detriment. This decision has been very difficult and made with a heavy heart in solidarity with the residents of Anegada," said Anegada Express.

Several residents expressed regret at the discontinuation of service by Anegada Express, stating, among other things, that "Government needs to intervene."

"While we suspect the cost of fuel, lack of a full load of passengers on each run and having to pay staff, maintenance and the full reality, we know it was a tough decision but this can't be it for us...Someone has to make a smart hard investment we can't go back the way we were about a year ago. This can't be it," a resident stated.