Roatan Bruce Interviews
On November 15th, 2007, President Mel Zelaya came to Roatan to join Congressman Jerry Hynds, Mayor Dale Jackson, Governor of the Bay Islands Arlie Thompson and Minister of Tourism Richardo Martinez for the ground breaking with Carnival Corporation representatives Graham Davis, the Director of Port Operations, Davis Candib, Armando Corpas, Director of Port Development and Jose DelGado, the Director of Accounting.
When Giora Israel, the Strategic Planning Vice President of Carnival Corporation and PLC, addressed the crowd of community and political leaders, he proudly stated that, “When Mahogany Bay, Honduras’ newest and largest $50 million dollar two cruise ship port facility opens on October 1st, 2009, we will truly be partners with the people of Honduras.” He continued to say, “The Carnival agreement would benefit every islander. This will happen because Carnival Corporation had no plans to enter into the on-shore excursion, transportation or gift shop business.”
It appears that Carnival has seen mistakes other ports of call have notoriously experienced when large scale cruising takes over the economic community. Although the results in the past have brought greater income for most people, would the natives of cruise destinations trade that ability to have more disposable income for a peaceful, clean and safe environment to live in? Are the residents in and around those ports of call happy with how those areas have progressed with “greater income?”
Mr. Israel answered some of those concerns by saying, “Not only does Carnival want to become partners in business where everyone benefits, we want to become responsible long-term residents who will guarantee that no garbage from the 20 acre development will be thrown in our waters or on our land.” He also stated, “No reef will be damaged to create the new docks.”
Carnival showed their local support by donating ten thousand dollars to the Roatan Municipal when it expressed their concern about not having the funds to continue with their plan to have everyone from the Coxen Hole area be connected to the sewer system. Carnival contributed that amount as the start of their commitment to see Roatan become a place for everyone to flourish!
Other facts about the soon to be port? Within five years, Roatan is expected to host 225 cruise ship calls with 500,000 passengers annually from Carnival Corporation ships such as Holland America, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises as well as Carnival Cruise Lines. Mahogany Bay will have a 35,000-square foot Welcome Center with retail shops, restaurants and bars. It will include a 60-foot-high lighthouse, a lagoon with cascading waterfalls and a nature trail.
Bruce Starr is the host of The Roatan Bruce Show is now heard on 106.5 FM weekdays at 9 am to 1 pm across the Bay Islands and Northern Honduras. Please visit his website at roatanbruce.com or contact him at roatanbruce@yahoo.com with your comments and suggestions. Please stay tuned for a major radio announcement!
Tags: Carnival, Cruise ships, Roatan Port of Call
November 28, 2007 at 12:40 am |
[...] Roatan and Carnival True Partners in the Cruise Ship Business?When Giora Israel, the Strategic Planning Vice President of Carnival Corporation and PLC, addressed the crowd of community and political leaders, he proudly stated that, “When Mahogany Bay, Honduras’ newest and largest $50 million … [...]