Mixed Reactions to Cruise Ship Docking on No-Movement Day

There have been mixed reactions to the docking of a cruise ship at the Ocho Rios Port in St. Ann, on a designated no-movement day for locals. Many argue that only a select few will benefit from doing business with tourists but that narrative is being countered.

While the streets of Ocho Rios in St. Ann were empty, the Ocho Rios Pier was buzzing with activity on Monday as tourists disembarked the Carnival Sunrise ship. All this on a designated no-movement day for locals.

Arrangements were made for a few attractions to open to accommodate the visitors. This triggered disquiet among the public, with some describing the government’s decision as a double standard.

Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at the Port Authority of Jamaica, Kimberley Stiff says the benefits locally of a cruise ship coming to the island outweighs the negative narrative being fuelled.