Royal Caribbean Cruises has been one of Haiti’s largest foreign investors for nearly thirty years, as such they have announced plans to provide much needed humanitarian help to the people of Haiti in response to the devastating earthquake.
Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Richard D. Fain has said ‘The effect of the earthquake on Haiti has been catastrophic, leaving the country in need of not only immediate support, but assistance in their long-term recovery, Royal Caribbean wants to do its part to help out not only the general response, but also our hundreds of Haitian employees and their families through this disaster.’
Partnering charitable organisations which include Food for the Poor, Pan American Development Foundation, as well as the company’s foundation, Solano Foundation, Royal Caribbean will delivering supplies to Haiti via their cruise ships.
Fain added ‘In addition to our financial contribution, Royal Caribbean will continue to provide economic support through the continuous business we bring to Labadee.’
The aid began with Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas arriving at Labadee with supplies which included powered milk, dried beans, water and rice which were loaded onto the ship during its stop at San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Over the next two weeks Royal Caribbean’s ships which were scheduled to call at Labadee will also take extra supplies beginning with Navigator of the Seas on 18th January and Liberty of the Seas the following day, 19th January, and Celebrity Soltice on 22nd January.
Passengers on board Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises will be able to make donations Food for the Poor’s Haiti Relief Fund, via a charge to their on board account. Royal Caribbean has more than 200 Haitian crew members, as such a portion of the $1 million donation will placed in the company’s Crew Relief Fund which will enable the crew members to draw from in these desperate times.
Source information: Royal Caribbean Cruises
