Rosalie Donaldson (second right), senior vice-president, marketing, at the Port Authority of Jamaica, gestures as she speaks with (from left) Leroy Williams, marketing director, JCAL Tours; Glendon Harris, president, JCAL Tours; Sharon Williams, cruise liaison officer, the Jamaica Tourist Board; and Michael Bernard, president, the Shipping Association of Jamaica. They were all part of a Jamaican delegation attending 'Seatrade Cruise Convention', at the Miami Beach Convention Centre, from March 10 to 13. Seatrade brings together the top executives in the global cruise-shipping industry with representatives of ports and destination-marketing organisations across the globe. - Contributed

The Trelawny capital, Falmouth, is among several Caribbean cruise destinations set to benefit from port development in the region. This is part of the global preparation being made by Royal Caribbean International for berthing of the newest and largest class of cruise ships, the Genesis Class, which is now under construction.

John Tercek, Royal Caribbean International vice-president of commercial development, made the announcement on March 13, 2008, during the annual Seatrade Cruise Conference held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida.

The unnamed Genesis Class vessels, of which two have been ordered, will be 40 per cent larger than the current largest cruise ships, which are known as the Freedom Class. The Freedom of the Seas, which calls at Jamaica, is one such ship. The Genesis Class ships will measure 1,180 feet long, 154 feet wide and 240 feet high and will accommodate 5,400 guests in addition to over 2,000 crew.

Most exciting project

Described as one of the most exciting projects being undertaken in destination ports around the globe, the Falmouth project will include investment between the Port Authority of Jamaica and Royal Caribbean International. Preliminary work for the project has begun and the physical aspect is expected to commence later this year.

The project will see the creation of a brand-new port and supporting infrastructure as well as the improvement and rehabilitation of several of the Georgian buildings that are a feature of the town.

Other Caribbean islands set to benefit from port development include St John's, Antigua, Labadee Island and Haiti. New ports are being developed and existing port infrastructure improved all around the globe.

Jamaica was represented at the convention by Michael Bernard, president, and Trevor Riley, general manager, both of the Shipping Association of Jamaica; Rosalie Donaldson, senior vice-president, marketing, and William Tatham, vice-president, cruise and marina operations of the Port Authority of Jamaica; Sharon Williams, of the Jamaica Tourist Board; Gail Barrett, of Jamaica Trade and Invest; Fritz Pinnock, executive director, of the Caribbean Maritime Institute; and other persons representing ground-tour operators, the craft vendors' association, destination-marketing companies.