The Editor, Sir:

It is my belief that cruise shipping is not the answer to Jamaica's tourist problems. Cruise-ship passengers have shopping, entertainment, food, and comfort amenities on board. They have no need to shop on shore other than for local trinkets and cheap T-shirts. They certainly would have little interest in some artificial water park on shore. Most cruise ships do not stay in port for more than a day. Most passengers neither have the inclination nor the time to do much shopping. A cruise port in Negril may not bring a good return on such an investment and may cause further damage to our environment.

Jamaica should focus on attractions that highlight our culture.We should be building museums that expose our history and achievements.

We must attract tourists who stay for more than a day, who come back year after year, who spend dollars which circulate in the local economy and who spend time in local inns rather than the all-inclusive hotels.

I am, etc.,

R. OSCAR LOFTERS

lofters1@aol.com

Kingston 8