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EXCLUSIVE CRUISE ITINERARY BEING EXPLORED FOR JAMAICA

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BY: GARWIN DAVIS

 

 

Montego Bay, December 12, 2024 – Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), Professor Gordon Shirley, says high-level stakeholder discussions are taking place regarding the possibility of creating a unique Jamaica-only cruise itinerary.

He tells JIS News that with five cruise ports at its disposal – Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Montego Bay, Port Antonio and Port Royal (Kingston) – Jamaica is positioned to carve out a niche in the competitive cruise industry, with the aim of attracting more visitors and increasing the economic benefits of maritime tourism.

Professor Shirley says of the potential Jamaica-exclusive cruise, which could span either five or seven days, “we are in an enviable position with our five ports of call, each offering its own unique charm and attractions.”

“This allows us to create a tailored itinerary that showcases the best of Jamaica without the need to venture to other destinations,” he adds.

Professor Shirley acknowledges that challenges exist, particularly regarding the increasing size of modern cruise ships.

“The cruise industry has seen a trend toward larger vessels, which poses accessibility issues for some of our smaller ports, especially Port Antonio,” he notes.

The CEO nonetheless remains optimistic about the proposal’s feasibility, emphasising the importance of collaboration with cruise lines.

Jamaica is currently integrated into a Western Caribbean itinerary that includes stops in popular destinations like the Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico.

Professor Shirley emphasises, however, that the proposed Jamaica-only itinerary would complement existing routes rather than replace them.

“We want to enhance what we already have,” he maintains, highlighting the potential for increased tourist engagement with Jamaica’s rich culture and natural beauty.

One innovative solution Professor Shirley proposes entails leveraging boutique cruise vessels owned by some cruise lines.

These smaller ships could navigate to the less accessible ports, providing an intimate experience for travellers eager to explore the hidden gems of Jamaica.

Meanwhile, larger ships, such as those in the Oasis and Icon classes, could continue to service the bigger ports, ensuring that the influx of visitors is well-distributed islandwide.

Professor Shirley points out that each of Jamaica’s ports possesses a unique identity that could be showcased through a dedicated cruise itinerary.

“Ocho Rios is known for its stunning waterfalls and lush landscapes, while Falmouth offers a rich historical experience. Montego Bay is famous for its vibrant nightlife, and Port Royal (Kingston), the cultural heartbeat of Jamaica, is a must-visit for music and art lovers. Port Antonio, with its unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere, presents a different allure altogether,” he outlines.

The proposal for a Jamaica-only cruise itinerary aligns with the global trend of travellers seeking more immersive and authentic experiences.

As the cruise industry rebounds from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing demand for unique travel experiences that offer deeper connections to local cultures.

Jamaica’s tourism sector has been working diligently to recover, with officials optimistic about the upcoming winter cruise season.

The introduction of a dedicated cruise itinerary would not only boost visitor numbers, but also enhance the island’s reputation as a premier cruise destination.

The economic implications are significant. Increased cruise traffic can lead to higher spending in local businesses, job creation and enhanced infrastructure development.

Professor Shirley further emphasises the importance of engaging the cruise lines in the discussions.

“Getting buy-in from the cruise lines is essential. We need to work together to address logistical challenges and ensure that our ports can accommodate the varying sizes of cruise ships,” he tells JIS News.

The potential for a Jamaica-only cruise itinerary has generated a buzz among local stakeholders, including tourism operators and business owners eager to welcome more visitors.

The concept aligns with the broader vision of the sector’s sustainable development, where the benefits of increased tourism are shared across communities.

“Jamaica stands at a pivotal moment in its tourism narrative, with the prospect of a dedicated cruise itinerary that highlights its unique offerings. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions, Jamaica has the potential to become a top choice for cruise enthusiasts seeking an exclusive experience,” Chukka Caribbean Adventures’ Marc Melville tells JIS News.

“As the PAJ and others continue to explore this innovative concept, the world will be watching to see how Jamaica redefines its place in the cruise tourism market. The dream of a Jamaica-only cruise is not just an idea, it is a vision for a brighter, more prosperous future for the island and its people,” he adds.

Caribbean News

Widow’s Testimony Recounts Night Haiti President Was Killed

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MIAMI, Florida — Emotional testimony from Martine Moïse, the widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, has given jurors in a U.S. federal courtroom a chilling account of the night gunmen stormed the presidential residence and killed the country’s leader.

Martine Moïse took the stand this week in Miami as part of the ongoing trial of several men accused of helping plan and finance the July 7, 2021 assassination, a crime that plunged Haiti into political crisis and remains only partially solved.

She told the court that armed men forced their way into the president’s private home in the hills above Port-au-Prince during the early morning hours, firing multiple shots at her husband while she lay beside him. She testified that she was also wounded in the attack and survived by pretending to be dead until the gunmen left the room.

According to prosecutors, the plot involved a group of foreign mercenaries, including former Colombian soldiers, along with Haitian and Haitian-American suspects. Investigators say some of the men believed the mission was to detain the president, but the operation turned into an assassination.

The Miami trial is focusing on the alleged role of South Florida businessmen and others accused of organizing or financing the plan, part of a wider international investigation that has stretched across several countries.

More than four years after the killing, the question of who ultimately ordered the assassination remains unanswered, with suspects still in custody in both Haiti and the United States as the case continues to unfold.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Caribbean News

Jamaica Joins Afreximbank Agreement, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Partnership

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CARIBBEAN — Jamaica has become the 13th CARICOM member state to accede to the African Export-Import Bank Establishment Agreement, further strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

The development was confirmed during the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, where an Afreximbank delegation led by George Elombi and Kanayo Awani met with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness to advance cooperation.

Prime Minister Holness thanked the bank for its support following Jamaica’s recent hurricane, noting that Afreximbank financing helped restore critical infrastructure including water, electricity, sewage systems and roads, while also assisting reconstruction efforts aimed at building stronger resilience to future disasters.

The meeting also focused on broader development opportunities tied to Jamaica’s membership in the agreement. Discussions included rebuilding and modernising infrastructure such as railways, hospitals and other public facilities, while strengthening regional transportation and trade networks to improve the movement of people and goods across the Caribbean.

Afreximbank has been expanding its presence in the Caribbean as part of its strategy to connect Africa with the region often referred to as “Global Africa.” The bank has already committed billions of dollars in financing and trade support to Caribbean economies in recent years, including funding for infrastructure, trade facilitation and private sector investment.

By joining the agreement, Jamaica gains expanded access to Afreximbank’s financial instruments, technical support and trade networks designed to promote commerce between Africa and CARICOM states.

Regional leaders say the growing partnership could unlock new opportunities in areas such as trade, logistics, tourism, manufacturing and cultural exchange, strengthening economic cooperation between the two regions with deep historical and diaspora ties.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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