Ocho Rios prepares to welcome cruise ship this week

 

The first major tourism activity in Jamaica since the passage of Hurricane Melissa is expected in Ocho Rios, St. Ann this week, with a cruise ship expected to dock in the parish. 

 

Chairman of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation and Mayor of St. Ann's Bay, Michael Belnavis, says Carnival Sunrise is scheduled to arrive at the Ocho Rios Pier on Tuesday. 

 

He says the attractions in Ocho Rios are prepared to facilitate tourists.

 

"Dunn's River Falls, Mystic Mountain, Dolphin Cove, Reggae Beach and many others; the cafes and the bars are ready to go. The electricity is back on track right here in the township of Ocho Rios. So pretty much all the businesses will be ready and receptive to tourists. The JUTA drivers, the craft vendors, everyone, have cleared up their spot right there in Dunn's River Falls and all the various attractions, they're ready to go," the mayor said optimistically. 

 

Mr. Belnavis said the arrival of the cruise ship will create an economic boost for the area.

 

The Ocho Rios Pier has not received cruise ships for two years as the facility was being repaired.

 

"The ships were reallocated to Falmouth, now they're back into Ocho Rios. So they're able now to see the full benefit of having cruise ships right there in Ocho Rios. The economic benefit is far and wide. It will have its effect right across the entire island and right across the entire parish because the multiplier effect is that once they come out, they buy goods and vendors will be able to come and get business and everyone will be able to get some business, and it will have that multiplier across the entire economy," he reasoned.

 

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, said craft vendors are anticipating a return of business in Ocho Rios.

 

He said the necessary steps were taken to ensure that the area is prepared to facilitate commercial activities. 

 

"The craft industry is ready and set to welcome cruise visitors in the coming days, even after the challenges brought by Hurricane Melissa. A lot of hard work has gone in from government agencies, the private sector, community partners to make sure Ocho Rios is in some state of readiness. Some of our craft vendors have shared that their homes and personal properties were affected by the storm, and of course the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce is in assessment mode, given the broad challenges across the island. Thankfully, Ocho Rios was among the least affected areas and our craft traders and artisans are prepared, they're excited and eager to host and entertain the visitors," he insisted.