[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 36 (Friday, March 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E370-E371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL FOR THEIR RELIEF EFFORTS IN 
                                 HAITI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 12, 2010

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary relief efforts of Royal Caribbean International following 
the earthquake that devastated Haiti this past January.
  Long before this latest tragedy brought the world's attention to 
Haiti, Royal Caribbean had been committed to bringing economic 
development and opportunities to the impoverished nation. Royal 
Caribbean has been partnering with Haiti's tourism industry for almost 
30 years, employing a large number of Haitians and maintaining a resort 
at Labadee, a port off the northern coast of Haiti. Therefore, when the 
earthquake shook the country, they personally felt the effects of the 
tragedy before them and were compelled to find a way to assist the 
people of Haiti.
  Royal Caribbean immediately set out to provide the people of Haiti 
with emergency relief. Using their cruise ships for delivery, Royal 
Caribbean has brought over 120 pallets of materials to Haiti. 
Additionally, they have provided monetary support to emergency 
assistance organizations, such as the Pan American Development 
Foundation, which also provide emergency supplies to the island.

[[Page E371]]

  I commend Royal Caribbean for their rapid response to this tragedy 
and the much-needed assistance and aid they have provided. Furthermore, 
I would like to express my support for their dedication to long-term 
rebuilding of Haiti.
  Although many found it controversial, I believe that Royal 
Caribbean's decision to continue to dock at Labadee was the right 
decision. If the cruise line had bypassed Haiti, it would have worsened 
an already devastating situation. By continuing to bring guests to 
Labadee, Royal Caribbean kept Haitians working and brought tourist 
dollars to the country at a time when Haiti's already struggling 
economy was at a complete stand-still. This commitment to keeping the 
Haitian economy going is truly admirable.
  I thank Royal Caribbean for their exemplary service to the people of 
Haiti, not simply in providing emergency aid in the immediate aftermath 
of the earthquake, but in their 30 years of work in Haiti and in their 
commitment to ensuring a sustainable recovery.

                          ____________________