Businessman Vinnie Mohanani wants the cruise ships to stop calling on St. Thomas on Sundays during the off-season.
Mohanani wants other businesses and related associations to support his request. He is circulating a petition throughout the community to have the cruise ship Fascination change its itinerary so Sunday can be a "no-ship day."
In April another St. Thomas businessman, George Chugani, wrote to St. Thomas Source expressing similar concerns.
"Since 1989, when Hurricane Hugo hit the Virgin Islands, we welcomed the cruise ships coming to St.Thomas every Sunday," Chugani wrote. "But now, after almost 10 years with ships coming every Sunday, my staff and other business owner friends and managers and I have grown weary of the ships coming on Sundays, especially in the summer season."
Mohanani said, "I have no doubt in my mind that there is overwhelming support in this community to support this drive."
Both businessmen expressed a desire to have a day of rest during the off-season, with Mohanani saying, "Sunday should be a day of rest, a day to lay in bed late, go to church and spend quality time with one's family."
He is seeking support on his petition from members of the taxi industry, chamber of commerce and Havensight Mall Association.