THE EDITOR, Sir:
SEVEN CRUISE liners docked at the Ocho Rios pier while we attended the eight-day, Thursday 30 September - Thursday 7 October, spiritual Feast of Tabernacle. And, judging from the well-organised nature of the hustle and bustle in the town it is clear that this segment of the tourist trade is alive and well in Ocho Rios.
But, so too is visitor harassment outside of the corridor between dockside and Island Village. With no visible wares to peddle, the 'welcoming' party of harassers along Main Street, including ladies of the day, serve as a persistent annoyance to visitors wanting to be left alone to explore the possibilities that Ocho Rios offers.
A situation that seemingly is being handled delicately by the Ocho Rios police is the plight of three old men, one with no legs; another with two wooden legs and the other blind, begging of visitors at the corner of Island Village and Main Street. When the assorted pimps do not crowd them out, they are the first sight the cruise ship visitors see of Ocho Rios.
Could the relevant government agencies, any service organisation operating in the Ocho Rios area or the in-bond merchants, singly or together, assist these poor old men to a better life off the street corner?
I am, etc.,
CLAUDE WILSON
jaclaudew@yahoo.com
