Workers Urged to Get Vaccinated before Cruise Ships Return

Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett urges workers in the tourism sector to take the COVID-19 vaccine, as Jamaica anticipates the return of cruise ships, Minister Bartlett says cruise shipping is an essential part of Jamaica’s tourism product and one of the main drivers for visitor arrivals and expenditure.

The Minister says tourism workers should bear in mind that they are valuable frontline workers who play a critical role in the restoration of the national economy and their own state of well-being. Therefore, he notes that workers taking the COVID-19 vaccine is an important factor in overcoming the pandemic.

The global cruise industry has guardedly recommenced its voyages with new rules and guidelines to ensure the COVID-19 virus is not transmitted. A total of 190 cruise ships, representing 65 different brands, are expected to sail this August, with an average of approximately 1,500 guests each.

Minister Bartlett said the new guidelines will require almost every cruise ship passenger and crew to be fully vaccinated. The Minister notes that ports of call which are in alignment with strict health and safety protocols will be first in line to receive vessels, as many countries are now lifting their cruise ship ban.

He is therefore urging workers especially those who have been unemployed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to get vaccinated. Minister Bartlett noted that with Jamaica’s proactive approach in developing protocols for the tourism industry the tourism sector has been able to reopen with less than 1% positivity.

“It is now time for the cruise subsector to also play its part as we follow a strategic path in reimagining the tourism sector to rebuild faster, stronger and better,” he emphasised.

Minister Bartlett noted that Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC) has been pivoting to make use of a new collaborative approach that will bring greater value for passengers, cruise lines, and destination Jamaica.

Mr. Bartlett says the Ministry will be working tirelessly in regards to its partnership with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), the Ministries of Health and Wellness, and Local Government and Rural Development in an effort to facilitate the vaccination of tourism workers.