Garwin Davis, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's multimillion-dollar five-year cruise deal with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines could amount to nothing if port facilities, especially in Ocho Rios, are not upgraded, local tourism interests say.

They note that while the deal could yet turn out to be a lucrative one for the country, it could easily fall apart if efforts are not made to end a bureaucratic stand-off between Jamaica Bauxite Mining (JBM) and the Port Authority over the proposed expansion of the Reynolds' Pier in Ocho Rios.

"A long-standing feud between the Port Authority and Jamaica Bauxite Mining is undermining efforts to expand the Reynolds' Pier," explained Michael Belnavis, president of the Ocho Rios Cruise Shipping Council.

Waiting

"For years we have been waiting on the Government to expand the facility so we can get more ships. The cruise lines have been begging us to do this but we just can't seem to get anywhere. The Port Authority has been blaming the bauxite company and they (JBM) don't seem to believe they owe anybody any explanation."

The Government two weeks ago entered into an agreement with Royal Caribbean which would see the cruise line giant committing a number of its megaliners to Jamaican ports over the next five years. The deal which is worth US$16 million, would see Royal Caribbean bringing in a guaranteed amount of passengers over that period and would in turn get a break on the head tax it would normally pay on entering the local ports.

"If we have nowhere to put the ships it doesn't matter what deal we sign," commented Judi Schoenbein, general manager of Appleton Estate Rum.

Ms. Schoenbein, who is vice- president for the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and also at the Association of Jamaica Attractions, said she was just returning from The Cayman Islands where that country enjoys an average of eight cruise ships per day. "It is embarrassing to see where we are when you compare us to Cayman and St. Maarten," she said.

Lost calls

Jamaica has lost over 200 calls already this year because of inadequate berthing facilities. And with an average of 2,500 passengers per megaliner, it is estimated that, inclusive of the US$15 per person head tax, the country has lost a little over $5 billion in cruise revenue and stands to lose a lot more if the Reynolds' Pier is not upgraded. The Urban Development Corporation owns the Reynolds' Pier but has leased the facility to the JBM.

The JBM, meanwhile, is not saying much. Canute Gordon, the organisation's general manager, said he was not in a position to comment on matters regarding the pier and that questions should instead be directed to JBM's Chairman Claude Clarke. Mr. Clarke's office, when contacted, advised that Port Authority Chairman Noel Hylton would better be able to field questions. Mr. Hylton is reportedly off the island.