Falmouth craft traders anxiously await the return of cruise shipping

WESTERN BUREAU:

WITH THEIR Ocho Rios, St Ann, counterparts getting a taste of cruise shipping for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic when the town welcomed the Carnival Sunrise vessel with over 3,000 passengers, craft traders in Falmouth, Trelawny, are now anxiously awaiting their turn to get a slice of the proverbial cake.

However, based on the latest update on the plans for the resumption of cruise shipping in Falmouth, it is unlikely that any cruise ship will dock before early November.

While some of the craft traders are somewhat reluctant to become a part of the vaccination regime, others, like Martin Nelson, are ready to take the ‘jab’ so that they will be in a position to interface with visitors so they can begin earning again.

“From March last year, I barely earn anything. Only on few occasions I get a little bly. Some Jamaicans who live abroad pass through and buy sometimes,” said Nelson.

According to him, while some craft vendors have benefited from governmental assistance since the onset of the coronavirus, he has been one of the unlucky ones, hence his anxiety to see cruise ships start docking in Falmouth again.

“Thing has not gone well for me as while other people get government assistance money I got nothing, there was nothing for me,” said Nelson. “I am here just waiting that the cruise ships will return sooner than later.”

While not stating how he feels about the mandatory vaccination of all persons who are likely to interface with visitors, which was emphasised by Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett in the case of craft traders in Ocho Rios, Nelson said he is prepared to do what he needs to do.

“I am not worried but I know that many of the others are wary,” said Nelson, in regard to the vaccine. “I just want the business to resume.”

In relation to the shops occupied by the traders, which are owned by the Port Authority of Jamaica, Nelson said rent is being collected at this time and some of the shops will require general cleaning up.

“Dogs, pigeons, and grass now occupy most of the shops. We are told that maintenance is our responsibility but no security has been provided by Port Authority of Jamaica so shops have been vandalised,” said Nelson.

A female craft vendor, who asked not to be identified, said while she is willing and ready to be tested as often as is necessary, she has not confidence in the vaccine and will not be taking it.

“I know they can’t force me to take the vaccine,” the woman said, noting that she plans to take a wait-and-see approach. “I am prepared to wait until the last minute to see if I must take the vaccine. I don’t trust it and at my age I am in the departure lounge for dying.”

The Tourism Development Company Limited has called a meeting for August 24 to hold discussion with the Falmouth craft traders about preparation for the return of cruise shipping.