Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

STORE OWNERS across Jamaica usually experience their best business at Christmas when there is increased traffic. There is a buzz of a different kind on the wharves and at the post offices.

Carol Miles, director of Maritime Services at the Queen's Warehouse in Kingston, told The Gleaner that staff at the Port Handlers Warehouse and the Seaboard Warehouse, both located at the Montego Bay Freeport, have their hands full.

"It's the usual domestic stuff they have to be dealing with, mainly barrels," Mr. Miles said. He added that the bulk of these containers have come from the United States, the country with the largest immigrant Jamaican population.

Mr. Miles said smaller quantities are being shipped from Canada and the United Kingdom, countries with comparatively smaller, but just as vibrant Jamaican communities.

This year, two warehouses are handling the influx from abroad. Western Freight, also based in Montego Bay, was active up to 2006, but closed early this year.

Marginal increase in cargo

Despite this, Mr. Miles said there has been only a marginal increase in cargo. Based on his experience, he foresees the rush at the wharves continuing into late January.

At the Central Sorting Office in central Kingston, public relations and marketing manager, Gordon Brown, reported a similar scene.

"We are looking at the November figures and there's definitely an increase. We expect a larger increase in December because that's when most people use the mail," he said.

Mr. Brown sees no let-up for his staff until well into February when the Yuletide crush usually eases.