Twelve cruise ships berthed at Prince George Wharf Dock this weekend, amidst predictions of a prolonged war in the Middle East with ‘disastrous’ effects on the Bahamian tourism industry.
The last time that many ships visited the capital in a two-day span was in 1989.
On Saturday, cruise ship passengers were seen swarming the Bay Street and dock area, boarding tours, exploring and shopping feverishly.
Tour guides, taxi drivers, ferry boat operators and hair braiders were like dock masters, shouting out their available wares and services.
As the Welcome Centre staged a “test run” opening, vendors set up their merchandise along Prince George Wharf. These entrepeneurs seemed to be in the right place at the right time.
With thousands of tourists visiting the island, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe expressed his concern over tourist harassment at the dock.
“Everyone out there is trying to make a dollar, I understand that. They’re all trying to benefit from the tourism industry, but that does not mean we cannot organize it. I want the hair braiders to enjoy the industry. I want the taxi drivers to benefit even more. It’s not just for the big corporate owners, it’s also for the little man,” he said.
In order for that to happen “the little man” must be given the same opportunities, provided the same facilities that they can work from and so that it could be properly managed, he said.
Mr Wilchcombe added, “They must all know that we are doing this for their best interest. I don’t want to bash them because that’s not the best thing to do. They’re trying to make it. Now, if we have not done enough for them to make, it’s our fault.”
Bahamians, Mr. Wilchcombe stressed, must understand that they are all in this together and competition is rising from Caribbean neighbours, including Turks and Caicos.
According to the minister, Turks and Caicos is presently constructing a major port. He said concentration should be directed to other Caribbean islands, who “are also trying to get the business that we have been enjoying.”
Mr. Wilchcombe appealed to Bahamians “who are on the front line” of the tourism industry, including taxi drivers, Customs officers, hotel workers, to work with the Government, rather than against it.
“Whatever they do is reflected in our economy, it is reflected in our earnings, it is reflected in the world,” said Mr. Wilchcombe.
“One of the most disturbing things that I have to deal with is reports of poor service,” he said. “I have a problem with that, because I know Bahamians are hospitable. I know Bahamians are genuinely nice. I know that our greatest asset is us, we are the best, we have the personality.”
Once Bahamians appreciate that, he noted, they will realise that tourists are not attracted to the Bahamas’ sun, sand and sea, but also for camaraderie.
Since the war commenced in Iraq, visible security was placed at all entry points in the country, including the dock where Port Department officers, Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Force officers were observed carrying firearms.
As Mr. Wilchcombe explained, it was important to stiffen security not only to defend The Bahamas and its citizens, but also to make visitors feel secure.
By Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
