Andrew Wildes, Freelance Writer 
Acting Prime Minister Robert Pickersgill (second right) looks at books during a tour of the Ship Logos II. At right is Capt. Dirk Colenbrander, Carol Guntley, director-general, Ministry of Tourism, and ship director Kevin Boyce. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer
FEW WOULD have imagined while passing Carib Cement's Rockfort Port yesterday morning that the hundreds of people patiently lined up outside for several hours, were waiting not for a concert, or even free food, but instead for books!
After travelling some 150,000 nautical miles, visiting 76 countries and having sold over 9.5 million books to some 9.5 million visitors, the International Charity book ship, the MV Logus II, made its fifth visit to Jamaica. Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill, was the main speaker to a large contingent of specially invited guests who came aboard for the ship's grand opening
ceremony.
POSITIVE MESSAGE RESONATED
The ceremony, like a good book, was enriched by every speaker, an introduction to unfamiliar places, and a message to which all persons present could cling. 'Knowledge, Help, Hope', boldly displayed inside the ship, were the central themes resonating in all the morning activities. Most extraordinary though was the rendition of the Jamaican national anthem by Ms. Samantha Goodman, which received enthusiastic applause. "I've heard several renditions of our national anthem, but the one this morning was quite different," Minister Pickersgill confessed.
In his address, Minister Pickersgill commended the ship's crew for their lives of service and compassion in bringing help and hope to nations. "I have no doubt that the core values that you have adopted as the compass steering your operation loving God, esteeming people, working as a team and serving with excellence have been with great measure the foundation on which the success of your mission has been built," he said.
EIGHT FAMILIES ON BOARD
The ship and book store, which visited Jamaica last in 2004, is inhabited by 200 people of 46 nationalities. There are eight families that live on board, and a school for the children of those who volunteer.
Director of the MV Logus II, Mr. Kevin Boyce, spoke of the crew's delight in coming to Jamaica because of the hospitality, and the people's evident love for books. "Over the time we have visited here, we have had over 100,000 visitors, and that just goes to show that you are a people that like good books," he said.
Mr. Boyce was quick in stating the purpose of the book ship. "Let me be clear that the reason we do all this is because we're a Christian mission organisation, and we believe in the dignity that Christ gives to each human being. We want to act as Christ's hands and feet in this world and be motivated by his heart," Mr. Boyce said.
He disclosed plans that were already under way to acquire a new ship. The ship that will return next time will be the Logus Hope, which Mr. Boyce stated, will be three times bigger and with greatly enhanced facilities.
