Widely known as the ‘book ship’, the MV Logos Hope is back in Jamaica after a seven-year hiatus, much to the delight of several Jamaican book lovers who turned out early Friday morning to welcome the ship back to the nation’s waters.

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Logos Hope, which was launched into active service in 2009, is operated by GBA Ships, a non-profit organisation based in Germany and continues the work of sister ships, Logos, Doulos and Logos II.The ship, which is renowned for being the world’s largest floating book fair, offering over 5,000 titles at discounted prices, is the organisation’s largest vessel so far, carrying a crew of 400 that represents 60 nationalities from across the world.Though the Logos Hope, which is docked at Rockfort Cement Factory in Kingston, didn’t start welcoming members of the public until the conclusion of its official opening ceremony close to noon on Friday, some Jamaicans were waiting as early as 9:00 am to board the ship.“We were out in the sun waiting much longer than we expected to. We thought it would be open from 10, we even heard it might be open at one o’clock, but we are so dedicated we never go back home. It was worth the wait,” book enthusiast DenuiteYetman told the

Jamaica Observer.Andrea McCreath, who accompanied Yetman on the ship, added that they went back to the car for a sheet of cartridge paper to act as a seat on the sidewalk.“We are book lovers, traditionally, we’ve always been on the Logos or Doulos ships, as when the ships come we always try to be here on the first day to taste what is really here. Additionally, we make several trips, at least three trips, because the books are worth it,” Yetman stated.He explained that the ship’s special on its branded Logos Hope bags, which retails at $1,500 and allows for the selection of three free textbooks after purchase, was a big save when one considers the costs of textbooks in Jamaica.“If you purchase 10 bags, you can get a maximum of 30 books, university books. You couldn’t pay for them in Jamaica, so for that reason, we always come on the ship,” Yetman said.The book lover added that while they mainly visit the ship to buy textbooks, their first trip saw books included on gardening, health and DIY (Do It Yourself) projects.Armed with at least 15 university books and over 10 other books on various topics between them, the two said as the ship was away for so long, they had to be among the first on board and are already planning their second visit.In the case of first-time crew member, Pavel Martinez, who along with his wife have been aboard the ship for just two months, the inspiration to join the crew, all of whom work voluntarily, was to help people.“This opportunity to come here just to help people and do the best you can do, asking nothing in exchange, is a wonderful experience in life and we decide that this is our time to do it, and Logos Hope offers that great variety of opportunities to help people,” Martinez, who hails from Mexico, explained.“We are super excited. We just came, so we don’t really know much about the city or the country, but we heard so much good stories about the food, how relaxed and kind the people are here, so we want to experience that ,” he continued.As it relates to the on-board experience, Martinez said that for interested persons who come to the ship, there are a lot of things to learn, not just from the books, but from the 400 volunteers who bring with them their cultures and history.“So if you are planning to come to the ship, just come and speak with the people and volunteers. We are all super excited to share with you what our histories are, so just please come to find out how the volunteers came to be on the ship into your country, ‘we want to know you and maybe we can share some interesting stories with you,” he stated.The official opening ceremony, which preceded the wider public’s ascent onto the ship, saw several crew members from all over the world, including Germany, South Africa and South Korea, welcoming attendees in various languages during the “parade of nations”, as well as facilitating a special performance of the Korean Fan Dance.“We are delighted to celebrate with you today the official opening of Logos Hope in Kingston, Jamaica; we are honoured by your presence. Our desire is that the book fair and experience on board Logos Hope will serve the interest here of the people in this country,” managing director on-board the ship, Pil-Hun Park stated in his remarks.He said that he had the opportunity of visiting the island 20 years ago in preparation for the docking of Logos II and shared that the experience is much more than Bob Marley’s music or Blue Mountain coffee, but rather about the great people of Jamaica.Park said that guided by God, the mission of Logos Hope is to devise the well-being of people everywhere by sharing knowledge, making available good books and sharing help by assisting in educational, social and health care projects.He said that they hope to leave from Jamaica to the world enriched by the goodwill and generous hospitality of the nation’s people and that he, as well as the crew, look forward to interactions and opportunities for meaning cultural exchange during their visit.Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, in his remarks, stated that he and his wife, Lady Allen were delighted to welcome the ship back to Kingston, especially as the city celebrates its 145th anniversary.“We welcome you to Jamaican waters for the second time. We consider your visit a genuine expression of intentional goodwill and understanding in Jamaica. We are coming to the end of reading week and it is quite significant that you prepare to put theicing on the cake with Logos Hope carrying the word of God as well as other inspirational and educational titles,” Allen stated.He said that the ship’s mission is the embodiment of enlightenment, wisdom, truth, and faith in action, which are all conscientiously pursued by the crew members and other partners. Allen added that the community of Logos Hope clearly prides itself on the internationalist and multicultural approach to effecting social change, and represents a small-scale version of what the larger community must and should be.“It is clear that at the heart of Logos Hope’s service is the foundation of your Christian faith. We hope that as the people of Jamaica meet and interact with the members of your crew, they will be inspired, they will be given hope for restoration of relationships in their families and in their communities,” Allen said.The Logos Hope will be in Kingston until June 11. In addition to hosting book lovers, the ship will be staging a wide array of activities both on-board as well as outside of the ship.The ship opens at 10:00 am until 9:00 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays and between 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Sundays.The ship, which is closed on Mondays, has an entrance fee of $200 per person. However, adults 65 and over can enter for free, as well as children under 12 who are accompanied by an adult.Its next stop will be Montego Bay for a further two weeks.