In an article I just read on cnn.com titled "Would you be comfortable on a cruise to Haiti" http://connecttheworld.blogs.cnn.com/2010/01/18/would-you-be-comfortable-on-a-cruise-to-haiti/
I found that Royal Caribbean is coming under fire for continuing to take passengers to the island of Haiti. The Independence of the Seas is a ship that has already visited and dropped off supplies, but the real question is whether or not it is right to vacation there while there is so much hurt and devastation going on about 100 miles away. Royal Caribbean has built a resort that has a private beach and a pier, which currently employs hundreds of Haitians. The company has also pledged $1 million for aid to the island.
I agree with both points of the story, but I feel as though not taking people to the resort or to the island would be a mistake. As much as people want to tip toe around the issue right now, the truth of the matter is that Haiti is a poor country and any money they receive will benefit them. If that means that cruisers will still go to the resort, then by all means let them go. If Royal Caribbean were to stop taking passengers there, and the shops, restaurants, bars, and other ammenities didn't have customers to earn a profit from how would that be helping the employees who are struggling to make an income? I am not an uncompassionate person, and I do feel that it may be callous to have people enjoying a vacation 100 miles from Port-au-Prince, but the employees at all of those places are in need also. I think the vacationers would definitely be in a more giving mood if they were allowed to continue going to the resort and could give more money to the workers through tips or other funding that would go directly to the Haitians.
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When I first read this i was confused somewhat. How could you vacation there 100 miles away?. Perhaps it might of been better said " How could you vacation on the other side of the island a 100 miles away". Vacationers that go will give some the sence and feeling of returning to normal as quick a possible.
ReplyDeleteIt's like a freakin' moral dilemma! On one side, vacationers' look like wealthy people walking around on the Plaza tossing coins to the homeless. But then, as you pointed out, there are people there that depend on the money for their jobs, and it helps the economy.
ReplyDeleteI think if I were to go, I'd have to wear blinders...or really, really dark shades.
I see your point. Any way to give Haitian people income is good, but would I vacation while people 100 miles away suffered and starved....I'm thinking no. I would have this sense that I was being a really big jerk if I did. The people working on the resort are probably enjoying the income and stability while the vacationers get their luxurious trip, but all eyes are now upon them judging whether they are being callous for relaxing in the midst of disaster and I personally would not want that judgement bearing down on me.
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