Should Cruise Lines Skip Haiti?
So this question was all over talk radio and the interwebs this weekend and it remains there. Should cruise ships continue to park at Haiti?
I think so, yes.
Because think about the alternative. People are saying it's insensitive to land there now. Would it be more sensitive for them to park somewhere else? To just avoid Haiti like the maleria infested, devestated, tumultuous paradigm of disaster that it is? Would it be more sensitive for them to take their goods, their money, and in some cases I'd guess, their volunteers somewhere else?
No. Royal Carribean has been bringing pallets of supplies and guests have been encouraged to eat on the boat and spend money on the island. This sort of aid, the money that goes directly into the pockets of Haitians, is really important. Even if it coems from them giving jet ski tours and serving Mai Tais.
With all the beaurocracy that's keeping aid from getting where it needs to be, I'm thinking private sector efforts like those of Royal Carribean should be encouraged and lauded, not lambasted. But this is just my opinion.
Speaking of ...
You can still text "Haiti" to 90999 and that will send $10 to the Red Cross. They directly bill your cell phone company. I've done this, will probably do it again.
Also, Bill Frist has gone to Haiti as a doctor and details some of his experiences here. You can also donate to his cause and they give 100% of the money to partner agencies that are on the ground in Haiti.
I think so, yes.
Because think about the alternative. People are saying it's insensitive to land there now. Would it be more sensitive for them to park somewhere else? To just avoid Haiti like the maleria infested, devestated, tumultuous paradigm of disaster that it is? Would it be more sensitive for them to take their goods, their money, and in some cases I'd guess, their volunteers somewhere else?
No. Royal Carribean has been bringing pallets of supplies and guests have been encouraged to eat on the boat and spend money on the island. This sort of aid, the money that goes directly into the pockets of Haitians, is really important. Even if it coems from them giving jet ski tours and serving Mai Tais.
With all the beaurocracy that's keeping aid from getting where it needs to be, I'm thinking private sector efforts like those of Royal Carribean should be encouraged and lauded, not lambasted. But this is just my opinion.
Speaking of ...
You can still text "Haiti" to 90999 and that will send $10 to the Red Cross. They directly bill your cell phone company. I've done this, will probably do it again.
Also, Bill Frist has gone to Haiti as a doctor and details some of his experiences here. You can also donate to his cause and they give 100% of the money to partner agencies that are on the ground in Haiti.
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