Cruise Ships in Haiti?
Recently it has come to light that there are Cruise Ships that are still visiting Haiti despite the devastation in the wake of the earthquake. Royal Carribean Cruise Lines has resumed their ports of call in Labadee Haiti, known as a "picturesque wooded peninsula". This peninsula is located 60 miles from the devastation of the earthquake where passengers can enjoy para sailing, jet skiing, barbecues on the beach and rum cocktails served to passengers basking in the sun in their hammocks.
To their credit RCCL has pledged $1 million dollars in aid and has been delivering much needed supplies to Haiti. The visit will keep 500 Haitians employed at the Resort they stop in.
But it seems that passengers and Haitian-Americans have mixed feelings about the resumption of the cruises. Some passengers have elected to remain on the ship because their conscience would not allow them to engage in sun and fun while others other suffering 60 miles away. But on the other hand will staying away from the Resort cause 500 more Haitians to be un-employed and lose their valuable income to their families and add to the country's problems? This is the dilemma.
I posed this question to many of my Haitian friends. Once again the response was mixed. Some were outraged that Cruise ships would carry on with a "business as usual" attitude. Others mentioned that it may be good for the economy of Haiti. A few brought up concern of safety and security, that some desperate Haitians may try to take over the Resort or the cruise ships.
I have been informed that the port is heavily guarded and there are 12 foot high fences surruonding the area.
I honestly do not have the answer. I understand both points, pro and con. I hope that Royal Carribean will continue to provide financial support and aid to Haiti and treat the citizens with respect and dignity. That is the only way Cruise Ships should go to Haiti.
Continue to Pray for Haiti.
Donate to help Haiti.
http://yele.org/- This is Wyclef Jean's foundation that has been helping in Haiti for years.
http://www.redcross.org/ - Time honored organization
WorldVision.org - They have been in Haiti for over 34 years.
2 comments:
Hi Gail,
It must have been a year since i last visited your blog. How you've grown:) You added two very nice and interesting blogs about freebies, and your travel blog has gained so much texture. By that I mean it is really INTERESTING. Even if I don't plan to travel to the place you are talking about, it is intereting travel news.
Re Haiti, you are right, it is a hard question to deal with. You know people there will benefit from the business. But there is the issue of sensibility and pride. Personally, if I were that bad off, I wouldn't care where the money came from if I needed it. But something like that can be viewed other ways too.
I look forward to visiting you ever now and then. congrats!
Hi Mona! Thaks for stopping by again.I appreciate the compliment from you. Hope all is well. One day i hope to visit the Philipines and we can meet up!
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