Small business owners in Speightstown have raised concerns about the town’s preparedness to capitalise on the anticipated influx of cruise ship tourists, warning that poor planning and coordination could squander a key opportunity to boost the local economy.
Although smaller vessels have begun anchoring off the northern town, some vendors and entrepreneurs say the trickle of visitors has yet to translate into meaningful sales.
Wellington Blackman, who operates a pottery stall directly in front of the Speightstown jetty, said he was initially excited about the initiative but is now worried that many small businesses are being left out.
“From what I’ve seen, when the tourists come off the boat, there’s a bus waiting to take them straight out. So there isn’t much business from that kind of setup,” he told Barbados TODAY.
“If people could walk around Speightstown a bit more, I think that would bring more benefit.”
Blackman said the fact that so far the cruise visits happen on Sundays—when many shops are closed—is also a problem.
“On Sundays, Speightstown is basically shut down apart from maybe the bread shop and my stall,” he said.
“If they could come on a day when more businesses are open, it would make a real difference.”
Another small business owner, who utilises water space near the two offshore moorings, described the move as “a good start” but far from maximised.
“There’s a lot of potential here. Speightstown has old buildings, history, charm—but it needs more business inside of it,” he said.
“If they’re serious, that whole area by the jetty should be arts and crafts, little cafes, things for people to experience.”
He added: “It’s not just about docking. It’s about making sure people spend time and money here. Right now, it feels like we’re not ready.”
The government announced last year that smaller cruise ships would begin calling at Speightstown as part of efforts to diversify Barbados’ tourism offerings.
Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill said the move was being coordinated with Barbados Port Inc., the Coastal Zone Management Unit, and other agencies.
But business owners argued that while some investment has been made—such as the repair of the Speightstown jetty—other key pieces are still missing.
“They fixed the jetty after the hurricane, but it’s not really being used to its full potential,” the boat operator said.
“The cogs are turning—but slowly. We need the right people planning, we need investment, and we need more thought put into how this will really work for Speightstown.”
With more ships expected later this year, small business owners are calling for urgent improvements to scheduling, visitor movement, and marketing.
“Otherwise,” said Blackman, “it’s just going to be another missed opportunity.” (SM)
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