Three of the world’s largest cruise companies have pledged US$3 million to help Jamaica rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.
Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group and Disney Cruise Line have each committed US$1 million in financial assistance, while Norwegian Cruise Line has promised up to US$100,000, with additional matched contributions from employees and passengers.
Senior vice president for government and destination affairs at Carnival Corporation and Jamaican native, Marie McKenzie, said, “We are very happy to be able to assist Jamaica in this important time of need. Carnival continues to see Jamaica as a valuable partner and will assist in whatever way we can.”
Disney chief executive officer Bob Iger expressed his sympathy for the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and said that Disney’s US$1-million contribution would be channelled through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Central Kitchen and Good360.
Emergency aid
As part of the immediate relief effort, Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas, Carnival’s Horizon and other vessels have transformed into mobile hubs, offloading pallets of bottled water, medical supplies and other essential items.
The shipments are being packaged for immediate distribution, with local partners leading coordinated efforts to reach Jamaica’s most severely affected areas.
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett thanked the cruise industry for its support. The government has set a target date of 15 Dec. to have cruise ports, resorts, attractions and other tourism infrastructure up and running.
Tourism is a crucial lifeline for the Jamaican economy. The industry accounts, directly and indirectly, for 30% of Jamaica’s GDP and supports about 175,000 jobs.
Related Videos
