More than a thousand Jamaican ship workers aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise line’s ‘Adventure of the Seas’ vessel, have been left disappointed, after the ship failed to receive approval from the government for docking in Falmouth, Trelawny.
The vessel which was expected to dock today (May 18) is currently off the coast of Haiti awaiting instructions from the government.
The ship which is carrying Jamaican cruise workers from several vessels has not yet been granted approval to enter Jamaican waters, despite Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ indication last night that it was the intention of the government to accept the ship.
He said discussions were continuing with the cruise line to finalize the re-entry process.
Speaking in an interview with Irie FM News this morning, a concessionaire who employs some 30% of the employees aboard the Royal Caribbean vessel, called on the Jamaican government to provide answers for the stranded employees.
Revenue Manager at OneSpaWorld, Melissa Wright said she has been fielding calls from frustrated employees all morning.
She said the uncertainty is taking a toll on the mental health of the employees.
In the meantime, attorney at law Jennifer Housen who is representing 55 of the workers aboard the Adventure of the Seas vessel says she has sent an Access to Information (ATI) request to the government seeking clarity on its position regarding the vessel docking in Jamaica.
She asserts that the government was aware of the plans to repatriate the citizens from as early as March, as Royal Caribbean was asked to put the workers in quarantine.
Persons aboard the ship have confirmed that they have been in isolation for as many as 8 weeks.
She says the lack of information from the government is taking a toll on the employees.
The attorney says the government has failed to provide information to the Jamaicans, despite many of them having filled out the requisite forms under the controlled re-entry programme.
She adds that she has sought information from several members of government regarding the repatriation of the Jamaican citizens.