The resort town of Port Antonio in Portland had its first cruise ship visit for 2017 when Star Flyer docked at the Ken Wright shipping pier shortly after 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Star Flyer, which is a mini cruise vessel/sail boat, came into port with 131 passengers and 79 crew members, much to the delight of Portlanders, who were captivated by the cleanliness of the town which last week came under scrutiny for a pile-up of commercial garbage.
"This is a proud moment for all of us," said Port Antonio Mayor Paul Thompson.
"Portland is where tourism started, and the parish capital was highlighted in a negative sense for its commercial waste lying on just about every street. But today paints a different picture as the town and its environs are in mint condition. Every street and corner is as clean as a new whistle, and this will be the trend from now on," he added.
Some passengers went to the Rio Grande, Portland's premiere tourism attraction site, where they experienced the three and a half hour ride aboard bamboo rafts, while viewing wild life and lush vegetation along the glittering waters.
Other passengers visited the craft market section of the Musgrave market and made purchases, while some became engaged in conversations with the local people.
In the meantime, a National Solid Waste Management Authority garbage truck roamed Port Antonio and its environs throughout the day, ensuring that commercial waste was removed promptly.
Port Antonio had come under the microscope after commercial garbage, which was allowed to pile up over a period, became a breeding ground for roaches and rats and a playground for dogs.