Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
THE FRAGILE state of Rio Grande rafting, Portland's premiere attraction, has been dealt a further blow as more than two-thirds of the rafting vessels belonging to the raft men have been washed away in recent floods.
Just four months after the rafting industry was devastated by hurricanes 'Dennis' and 'Emily', the livelihood of the raftmen is seemingly at an end, unless Government is able to provide them with assistance.
Basil Bunting, raft captain of more than 20 years, said that if Rio Grande rafting should become extinct, many like himself will suffer as they have no other occupation.
"I am scared to think that rafting could be closed down," Mr. Bunting said. "Many of us are too old to take up new occupations and that could also affect us mentally."
DECLINE IN OPERATIONS
More than 90 raft men are assigned to Rio Grande rafting, which has seen significant declines in its operations and in visitor arrivals since Hurricane Ivan in September last year.
Only the raft stand at Berry Dale remains operational, as the Grants Level raft stand was completely devastated in July. Heavy rainfall last Thursday and Friday has also destroyed the road network leading to the rafting stands.
Rose-Marie Deans, front desk receptionist at Rio Grande rafting, told The Gleaner that tourist arrivals at Rio Grande rafting have declined by more than 70 per cent since the back-to-back hurricanes in July, which also created widespread damage to that road network.
"Rafting is definitely on the decline," she said. "We have only been getting an average of 12 tourists each month for rafting on the Rio Grande river."
HARDSHIPS
Ms. Deans said that figure is grossly inadequate as only six to seven raftmen work each month, leaving the remaining 70 or so out in the wilderness to fend for themselves and their families.
The decline, according to Ms. Deans, has also caused management to put office workers on a week-on, week-off work schedule.
She, however, commended the raftmen who have remained loyal and committed to the rafting industry despite the financial woes being faced by them.
She said it is not easy for them to return home to their families each day without earning.
More than 70 of the 110 rafting vessels were washed away by flood waters generated by the Rio Grande which swept away everything in its path, including crops and livestock after flooding its banks due to torrential rainfall last week.
