Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. donates US $250,000 to Hurricane Ivan Relief in Jamaica
Medicines, crew support for clean up help island's recovery effort
Ocho Rios, September 21, 2004
Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited (RCCL) has rallied to support Jamaica’s rehabilitation programme with a donation of US$250,000 to the Hurricane Relief Fund established by the Jamaican Consulate in Miami.
“Royal Caribbean has always been distinguished by a high level of commitment to Jamaica,” said William Tatham, Vice President, Cruise Shipping and Marina Operations at the Port Authority of Jamaica. “The company is particularly sensitive to the current situation on the island and they consider themselves full partners in our recovery.”
Royal Caribbean has also donated critically needed supplies, including blankets, medicine and clean-up equipment, valued at approximately US$25,000, which arrived on the island today on Navigator of the Seas. This donation has been directed to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, for island wide distribution. Additionally, the cruise line has made a direct donation of medical supplies to the St Ann’s Bay Hospital.
Twenty-five crewmembers of Navigator of the Seas, including doctors, disembarked to assist in the clean-up activities at the St. Ann Infirmary. Having seen the needs first-hand, the crew has pledged to further support the institution with mattresses and a washing machine. Crewmembers have also made personal donations of clothing and blankets.
“Royal Caribbean’s compassion for Jamaica is an affirmation that our destination is not simply an itinerary stop for the cruise line. Both the company and their employees are actively interested in the nation’s well-being and this goes a long way in making ours a meaningful and mutually beneficial relationship,” said Mr Tatham. Last Wednesday, Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas was the first ship to call at Ocho Rios after the passing of the hurricane.
Up to July 2004, cruise arrivals to Jamaica numbered 682,650, setting the island on course to match last year’s record of 1.1 million passengers.
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