185 Photo: credit Within two weeks of Hurricane Melissa, all of Jamaica’s major cruise ports had reopened “Cruise benefits so many businesses and people, from hotels and restaurants to taxi drivers and crafters,” says Roberts. “Even though many had damage to their homes, they were able to come out and work and make money.” A key reason behind the speed of the country’s reopening was the assistance provided by cruise lines. “Within a couple of days, we had ships coming in with relief supplies,” says Roberts. “They brought every single thing we needed. If they were on an itinerary, they would stop by with passengers and drop off the relief supplies. “Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises and others came to help. We still have shipments coming in, with generators going to schools that are in the inland areas that have not got any electricity returned yet.” Roberts feels “blessed” with the amount of support she has seen her country receive, whether it be from planes flying in with supplies, organisations cooking meals or groups dealing with fallen power lines and trees. Despite all the aid and funding received from a catastrophe bond and loans, Jamaica still needs supplies, donations and volunteers to help rebuild hundreds of thousands of homes. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel for the island. “All our cruise ships have come back, and all our attractions are open,” says Roberts. “We’ve even had at least six inaugural visits and our first homeporting call at Port Royal. So, amidst it all, there is so much hope because new things are happening and we’re grateful to everybody for having faith in us.” “All our cruise ships have come back, and all our attractions are open”
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