Trelawny Cruz Ahead...

Trelawny Cruz Ahead…



Richard Morais, Gleaner Writer

FALMOUTH, Trelawny

Mayor of Falmouth Collen Gager is confident that his town will be ready for the arrival next week Friday of cruise liner Navigator of the Seas, with its 3,400 passengers and 1,200 crew members.

Navigator of the Seas, which arrives on January 7, will be the first ship to dock at the new port in Trelawny.

"Immigration will be ready as that building is complete. We have at least 30 additional policemen and the tour companies are ready," Gager told The Gleaner.

The Falmouth mayor noted that many of the services will be carried out by persons already doing such or who have been extensively trained.

The mayor, the point man for the Government, noted that everything would not be finished but that the facilities would be adequate.

"It will not be completed but this will be done by March. What is there however will be able to accommodate the ship and should be able to entertain the people."

Market, residents no problem

The non-relocation of the market and some of the residents in the community near the wharf will not be a problem to the start of operation.

He reiterated that the wharf was still a work in progress and the relocation would be done in due time.

Gager emphasised that, between now and then it will be hectic work.

"This week will be a busy week we will have to turn nights into days as the cleaning of the town will be done."

He was however disappointed with local businesses.

"With all the meetings that we are having and with all the information we are putting out, the response is not good and then you are going to hear that they didn't hear or didn't know," he lamented.

The mayor said Government was doing its part but businesses have to get out and maximise their earnings.

Dr. Patrick Harris, the member of parliament for North Trelawny, noted that ships will be calling every Wednesday and Thursday and, while lamenting the level of preparation, he beamed about the massive development starting in the constituency.

Harris said 600,000 visitors were expected to arrive annually, spending a projected US$100 each, which would put earnings at approximately $5 billion annually.