I suspect it is weaving through gaps in the hills. It sure does look like a mess to drive on! It wouldn't surprise me to learn that it took over an hour to drive.
Seems the RCI got somewhat of a bad rap for continuing to stop at their resort at first from the unknowing public. Many don't realize just how far it is to Port au Prince and that the company employes many Hatians and has also donated $$ and continues to bring in supplies to assist with this terrible disaster. They are doing the right thing for Haiti.
I'll admit that at first I was conflicted about whether I could go ashore at Labadee. After thinking about it and coming to my senses, and then when RCI announced their relief effort, I realized the following:
1. The condition of those in the earthquake region is not going to improve by skipping Labadee. However it will improve (however slightly) by continuing to stop there and spend money while emergency aid is offloaded.
2. To not stop there effectively would punish the local citizens who derive their income from Labadee.
3. If the Haitian officials thought it would be a bad idea they wouldn't have told RCI to continue stopping at Labadee.
I know some who say they won't get off the ship there because they just can't bring themselves to eat and drink while standing on Haitian land. I'd ask them, why is it okay to eat and drink on the ship, but not if you walk down the gangway? Should I have canceled my 2005 Labor Day barbecue because Katrina had just smashed the Gulf Coast and I live in Alabama? After all, Alabama had severe damage and people died. It's the same logic.
Empathy is nice, but life goes on and normalcy is important to recovery. I'd not have a problem eating a burger and having a Labadoozie while sitting on the beach.
I heard on the radio yesterday from someone who knows that the drive from Cap-Haitien to Port-Au-Prince can take 10 hours on a normal day. I could drive 600 miles in that time.
I agree--well said. My husband was upset yesterday by the comments on the internet regarding vacationers at Labadee. A well known newspaper had an article about it and that triggered many comments, good and bad. However, as more and more people posted comments and "talked" it through, many came to the same realizations that Dave pointed out.
I get annoyed by those who wrap themselves in the flag of self-righteousness and feel they are qualified to tell others how much they should give to charity.
I know the comments you are talking about: People saying Labadee should be turned into a refugee camp. That RCI should donate their ships to house people. That the passengers should go ashore and board trucks bound for south Haiti so they can clear rubble. Never mind the logistics which makes all of this untenable, or that cruise lines without ships go bankrupt in a NY minute. With some people it's always what someone else should be doing. I'd like to tell these whiners to shut up, and if they want to help go to a church and volunteer as a missionary to Haiti. I'll bet few would want to do it.
I wish I had the skills to go and help out there. There is so much that needs to be done. I am so very proud of RCI for assisting. I pray that the supplies will start reaching the people soon, especially the medical supplies.
I agree, and say well said Dave also. I have read so many outrageous comments about this. If people feel compelled to give or do something it is up to them. When the LA Firefighters got the woman out that had been buried under rubble for over 6 days it was an amazing moment. I hope we see more moments like that real soon.
Today on the news are talking about RC.Reporter is saying that RC is isensative because they are stoping in Labadee? But 67% of readers supported decision to contenie to go to Labadee.I think Haitians need suport from RC,people need to keep working.They say in news taht RC is giving $1 milion in humanitarian relif to Haitians and portion to 200 Haitian crewmembers.I thih that is a big help!
I just read that another quake just hit Haiti this morning. It was a 6.1 quake, I'm not sure of any additional damage. It sent people running into the streets. Hopefully it will stop soon, so Haiti can start rebuilding.
Linear Mode
