I was away on vacation and out of touch with happenings here, and was saddened to learn of the passing of former Custos of Kingston Canon Weeville Gordon. I had called him at home a few weeks ago, and our usual bright and happy conversation did not in anyway alert me to coming events, but such is the will of the Almighty.

He was a man who endeared himself to all in such a humble way, a gentle giant loved by all within the many circles of life and people who surrounded him. My fellow Lay Magistrates in general, and in particular the Kingston Chapter, have lost a beloved leader.

In return, God blessed his endeavours with a loving wife and family, and to them I send my sympathy and love, for this was truly a Jamaican for all seasons, a servant and a leader, never to be forgotten.

We left the Port of Miami aboard the Celebrity Century, on yet another journey of seeing, learning, and understanding. Our first stop was the island of Roatan, Honduras, some 36 miles from the mainland. The history is richly entwined with the English, Spanish, and French periods, as well as the overflow of pirates from Port Royal who settled there as a better and more private hiding place from the authorities of that time.

Add to that several Caymanians, Africans, Spanish and French, and you have a multi-lingual (although divided) population. If you listen to the English you could easily be in Belize, Cayman, or Trelawny.

We went on a tour that took almost the full length of the island (36 x 4 miles) and visited some cultural sites, where African traditions prevailed in music and dance. I also learned two important things. Firstly, schools are closed in the rainy season (November to April) and open fully for the rest of the year. Secondly, the island did not get electricity until 1994.

So by comparison, we have weather that does not totally interrupt our tourism arrivals or domestic activities, and a convenient, though expensive, electricity supply in most areas. Also, these people are almost the “forgotten” of Honduras, one of the poorest nations of Central America. Yet they have the will to survive in the face of these obstacles, and I learned how lucky we are, and how flippantly we have contributed to our own demise.

Mexico was next, the famous Cozumel, also an island off the mainland. We went to the mainland by a ferry which took about 30 minutes, and then boarded a tour bus for a half-hour drive to the Mayan city of Tulum. That also proved to be an eye-opener, as the modern highway led to the antiquity of a city that thrived long before the birth of Christ.

The remnants of a civilisation that had advanced in mathematics, astronomy, language, religion, and societal order were mind-boggling. Regrettably, many records were destroyed by the ignorant and greedy Conquistadors, and scholars are still trying to piece together the language and ciphers used by the Mayans.

Suffice it to say, the advanced ability of these people is in keeping with that of the ancient Egyptians in many areas such as pyramid construction, astronomy, and veiled reference to extra-terrestrial influences. The Mayan calendar supposedly ends on December 22, 2012, but I do not believe that it signals the final Apocalypse that many fanatics have been advertising. (However, I could be wrong, as 2012 is a scheduled election year here in Jamaica, things are bubbling already, and the jockeying has started, so who knows!)

Anyway the antiquity was impressive and left tremendous room for thought. We still have a lot to learn about making simple things interesting, and getting visitors to spend in order to share our rich heritage. We have so much more than a beach, but tours are a specialist product of planning, innovation, and a certain showmanship in marketing.

Back on board the ship there was a lot to learn as well. We had a superb Jamaican waiter, a young man from Ocho Rios named Ronaldo Miller, and he was assisted by a happy, charming young lady from Macedonia, named Ana. Between them they made our dining experience a beautiful and elegant affair.

Mr Miller was an outstanding person to watch as he and Ana made all their tables happy, smiling and contented, and there was no one who seemed disappointed in any way. I wish more young Jamaican men could see the discipline and professional manner with which he approached his job.

I wondered about the human resources involved in the cruise experience. There were 1,800 passengers, and 800 staff, probably equal to the entire staff of GraceKennedy in a confined space, and working round the clock. I thought about the complexities of scheduling of the sailing crew, maintenance, cleaning, kitchen, waiters and bar service, entertainment, shows, bands, finance and accounting, laundry, housekeeping, security, shore excursion sales, shopping, and medical staff. It is really a complex floating city, with more problem areas than a city on land.

The thought of 800 staff with different cultures, customs and languages, all having to live peaceably in a confined space, is a serious scenario that needs to be properly researched. These are the things that doctoral candidates should be contemplating as useful contributions to nation building. This could be so important in understanding and guiding solutions for our own peace and safety.

In addition, every week they have to interact with 1,800 strangers whose expectations are usually much greater than their pockets. Failure to manage relationships well could easily spell disaster, and provide an equal opportunity for all to return by lifeboats, or even swimming!

The Caribbean’s propensity for enjoyable cruise shipping needs to be carefully planned with regard to job creation. The Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) in collaboration with Heart/NTVET already offers some courses for preparing service personnel for sea duty.

The CMI has 100 per cent employment of graduates in the marine sciences and operations. Thus a comprehensive plan to expand the complement of students seems like a no-brainer. The movement of goods and people by sea is not an industry in decline, rather it is a real growth opportunity. Similarly service workers may learn faster and better in international jobs than in local land-based tourism.

Let us look at the possibilities, not the problems, and find the solutions, not the excuses. Ships are passing in the night, sailing to places of interest, and making money. Let us recognise Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Kingston, Port Antonio, as our passage to employment and earning on land as well. Jimmy Cliff sang, “Treat the youth right”, and it is a truism that rhymes with tourism. So let’s plan for ships stopping, not passing.

Finally, on behalf of the Fifty/50 Band, I would like to congratulate the Fab 5 Inc on celebrating 40 years in the business. We are grateful for the dedicated, professional, and humanitarian examples that you have set in the business that unfortunately has many who lack those important attributes.

Young bands have a standard that stares them in the face every day. We all thank you for our friendships that have even passed the 40 years, and wish for you continued success, good health, and a continuation of the music. You are appreciated by your friends and fans more than you could ever imagine. Let the music play on!