Flag sparks tearful joy for arriving crew member
Published:Wednesday | May 20, 2020 | 12:33 AM
WESTERN BUREAU:
A RETURNING Jamaican ship worker aboard the Adventure of the Seas was overcome with sadness as security personnel moved about at the Falmouth Port on Tuesday afternoon.
But a familiar sight across the street caught her attention and caused a tear to roll down her cheek.
Using the pseudonym Shelly Williams because some ship workers are fearful of the COVID-19 stigma attached to travellers, she was one of 1,040 Jamaicans aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Adventure of the Seas that arrived to cheers in the Georgian-era town, after months of uncertainty awaiting the reopening of the country’s borders to inbound passengers shortly after the new coronavirus emerged in Jamaica.
“Usually when you are arriving in Jamaica, sea or by plane, the feeling of excitement usually takes you over so much, you can’t wait to touch Jamaica,” Williams said.
“When I saw the lady waving a big flag, that’s when a tear fell from my eyes to know that look, there’s is still hope in Jamaica .... and I thank that one citizen in that moment for letting us feel somewhat welcome in our own country.”
Shortly after the cruise ship docked, a rendition of Jamaica’s national anthem could be heard from the ship’s balcony – the words “Teach us true respect for all” resonating more than ever before.
Board member of the Western Regional Health Authority, Dennis Meadows, who was on hand to welcome the crew members, who have quarantined on various ships since March, described the arrival as heart-warming.
“Those crew members were like soldiers coming home from a war. They were very warm, waving flags and did an impromptu singing of the national anthem. That was my moment for the day,” said Meadows.
“Seeing our compatriots coming home to safety was very moving.”
The homecoming had the same impact on an elated Roy Fletcher as well. He also requested a pseudonym.
Fletcher said that the only thing that would have made it better would be the ability to get off the ship and go home Tuesday.
“But I understand the circumstances that we have come into, so I don’t mind the extra wait,” he said.
All the crew members will be taken to the Grand Bahia Principe and the Jewel Paradise Cove hotels in St Ann. Those who test negative will self-quarantine at home for 14 days while positive patients will be isolated or hospitalised.
Fletcher said that he became homesick the moment he was quarantined in March. This was before the Jamaican borders were closed by the Government. He said he was convinced that he and his fellow Jamaicans would have had to remain longer at sea.
“I am just happy to be home, quarantined or not,” he said.