Sun | Sep 1, 2024

Beryl puts damper on river rafting in Trelawny

Published:Thursday | July 18, 2024 | 6:22 PM

Ninety-seven raft captains employed to River Rafting in Martha Brae, Trelawny have been without employment since Hurricane Beryl impacted Jamaica on July 3.

Florence Campbell, Administrative Manager of River Rafting, told The Gleaner that, "We have suffered significant losses since Beryl. There has been no business since the hurricane. That loss in revenue is still being calculated. In addition, 80 per cent of the rafts were washed away.”

Campbell continued, “The river was in spate and trees fell across the river. A lot of debris was thrown across the whole length of the river. We had to clear the river which we have now done but there is still no electricity."

Optimistic of the resumption of rafting as soon as possible, Campbell said, "We are keeping our fingers crossed and hope for resumption on the 24th [of July]. It is important, especially for the raft captains who are independent contractors. If they don't work, there is no salary."

- Leon Jackson

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.