Labadee question about gifts for locals

[madimorg]

Many times when traveling, and staying at resorts, I've packed "gifts" to give to my taxi drivers, housekeepers, etc... For instance in Jamaica and in Mexico I typically take dolls to give to people who have children, school supplies, treat style bags with candy, and sports clothing such as NFL or NBA related shirts; you get the idea. These items are so appreciated by locales at many islands where they are living in poverty. I'm considering doing this for my Labadee stop to give to our cabana attendant and whom ever else we may be in contact with. Has anyone else on here done this while on a cruise, and if so, what would be items you think would be loved and appreciated by the Haitians?

I've never been to Labadee so I'm not really sure how it all works there.

[jes Scott]

I just tipped generously. This way they could buy what they need most. We didn't get back on the ship until right before had to. Many people went back around 3pm and we didn't leave until 5...we had time to speak with the locals. Many walk several hours to work and back...when ships aren't in port they clean the beaches for no pay to keep them nice. Often spoke about how well Royal treats them. We saw all the leftover food, drinks etc being distributed to locals so as not to be wasted. I felt like it worked well for the locals.

[madimorg]

I just tipped generously. This way they could buy what they need most. We didn't get back on the ship until right before had to. Many people went back around 3pm and we didn't leave until 5...we had time to speak with the locals. Many walk several hours to work and back...when ships aren't in port they clean the beaches for no pay to keep them nice. Often spoke about how well Royal treats them. We saw all the leftover food, drinks etc being distributed to locals so as not to be wasted. I felt like it worked well for the locals.

 

Oh I love that they did receive the leftover food and drinks; I'd hate to think of it being thrown away when there are so many who would appreciate it. Thank you

[moniquet]

The locals want money not shirts and candy. Just tip.

[Lionesss]

On one of our earlier trips to Labadee we did have the opportunity to talk with one of the vendors.

 

He gave us some history of the island and talked about how RCI developed the area for tourism.

 

He talked about his family and told us they were converted to Catholic faith, but only on a very rare occasion do they get to attend a mass. No priest available only an occasional missionary priest.

He also told us that not all converted and Voodoo is still practiced on parts of the island .

 

The following year when we went back, we took some rosaries and religous cards.

Now mind you to some this may sound corny, but let me tell you when one of the older women saw the items, she got very excited.

We were swarmed with the locals but they waited their turn to get an item.

 

Something so small made them so happy.

 

We always buy something small, and believe me they are more than eager to sell.

 

Just wanted to share.

[madimorg]

On one of our earlier trips to Labadee we did have the opportunity to talk with one of the vendors.

 

He gave us some history of the island and talked about how RCI developed the area for tourism.

 

He talked about his family and told us they were converted to Catholic faith, but only on a very rare occasion do they get to attend a mass. No priest available only an occasional missionary priest.

He also told us that not all converted and Voodoo is still practiced on parts of the island .

 

The following year when we went back, we took some rosaries and religous cards.

Now mind you to some this may sound corny, but let me tell you when one of the older women saw the items, she got very excited.

We were swarmed with the locals but they waited their turn to get an item.

 

Something so small made them so happy.

 

We always buy something small, and believe me they are more than eager to sell.

 

Just wanted to share.

 

Oh I love that idea!! I know locals want money also but I know just by going to other very poor islands that many find "gifts" as a nice touch and a great way to say "thank you". These are people who dont have a Target down the road and no means to purchase these items so gifts in addition to money is a nice touch. I know in Jamaica school supplies for the kids is huge and the kids love getting their hands on a Barbie Doll.