Speech by Jason Henzell on March 2nd, 2009 addressing the Citizens Alert Group

Treasure Beach Forum: TB Runnin's: Speech by Jason Henzell on March 2nd, 2009 addressing the Citizens Alert Group
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tamesha on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 02:04 pm: Edit Post

We have come here tonight to discuss the historical landing of a Float Plane in Treasure Beach, and its future operation.

Those of you who truly know me, know that I am committed to the community of Treasure Beach.
I have always been committed to community tourism, a niche started by Desmond Henry many years ago, and before me or Jakes. At Desmond’s funeral, I vowed to continue this unique program.
I have been committed to community development with my commitment to Breds and the several projects this organization has accomplished and will continue to pursue.
I am committed to the environment having received Green Globe certification and being named Environmental Ambassador by the Jamaica Hotel & Tourism Association. One of the ways that this is evident is Jakes having the only sewerage treatment system in the area.
You will also know that I am committed to buying local and that I employ 150 persons, who proudly call ourselves the Jakes family.

I understand and appreciate how important it is to continually improve your product offering and to do sales and marketing. When we invite and host a journalist, that person writes not only about Jakes, but the destination of Treasure Beach. Two weeks ago a story was published in the New York Times, the most popular newspaper in the world, mentioning Oliver’s Dutch Pot, Shallow Bar, Taino Cove and Andy’s mountain biking.

We started annual events to promote the area including; The Triathlon, the Fishing Tournament and the International Calabash Literary festival where every single room in this community is booked, some a year in advance and most at a premium rate.

I have always been someone to pursue opportunities which are good for the area so when I was contacted by Parker Mclain, a Canadian who owns land in St. Elizabeth about the possibility of relocating his Float Plane to Jamaica, I immediately encouraged him, with the condition that it would also be available to Treasure Beach.

Within weeks Parker, a legitimate businessman, and his pilot Ken came to Treasure Beach but with the sea being rough at times we discussed the possibility of the Pedro Pond. Ken looked at the Pond and said it could work and I proceeded to arrange meetings with the Airports Authority and Civil Aviation. Both agencies headed by Mark Hart and Oscar Darby respectively, gave not only approval, but encouragement, as this was viewed as an exciting development for aviation in this country.

At this point I went on to inform other agencies including; The Prime Ministers office through Minister Daryl Vaz, the Mayor, the member of parliament, the Police, the Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett, Minister Olivia Grange, the chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company Robert Russell, and Judy Schoinbein the chairperson for the South Coast chapter of the JHTA.


I also contacted the owners of land which directly surrounded the Pedro Pond. All gave their approval apart from two. One of the two later said he would discuss with his ‘team of attorneys’ and the other came back to say he was objecting due to livestock. After mapping the pond, we concluded that the plane would not go into the borders of either person’s boundaries. It is noteworthy that the person who I asked to map the pond was purposefully intimidated by one of these two persons by discharging his firearm and threatening legal action. This same person went on to illegally place floating obstacles throughout the entire pond to cause the plane to either abort landing, or crash. Luckily, these obstacles where removed just in time to avoid either happening.

With regards to the Environment, I also had concerns.
I have personally flown in Float Planes in Canada where pilots and aircraft have to abide by very strict guidelines for safety and to protect the environment. Float Planes are very common in Canada where they land in Ponds and lakes on a regular basis. Ken, the pilot of this aircraft has over 17,000 hours and has no intention of jeopardizing his license while operating in Jamaica. I myself was surprised that ducks and cattle where not disrupted by the several landings and take offs on Saturday.





Over the years I have heard several plans for this pond which have included jet ski’s, water skiing and a bar however none of these ideas have been acted on. I myself encouraged someone to start offering bird watching tours but again, that person did nothing. I have never told the persons who had these ideas that they would not work, because maybe they would. Who among us would have imagined that the Pelican Bar, a bar out in the sea would be the most popular Bar in Jamaica? I am not saying that this idea will definitely work, but what I am asking is for persons to give it a chance to prove itself.

We have worked hard to position Treasure Beach in a very unique way and the novelty of a Float Plane will further enhance this positioning and image. A float plane will not take work away from local drivers, but rather attract new visitors who would not have come due to the distance. This will not be something just for Jakes or Jason Henzell, but instead a benefit to the entire community. Already there has been a tremendous amount of interest from both locals who have never had the opportunity to fly, and visitors in anticipation of this happening.

I have addressed the issues which include;
my personal integrity which has been attacked in the past few days, approvals, land ownership, and the environment. I have not gotten personal by calling names and hope this meeting will continue in this vain and that we will have a conclusion.

Thank you!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 03:32 pm: Edit Post

Thanks for letting this be posted Jason.

The essence of what was posted should have been communicated here and elsewhere before the plane landed. Maybe there are reasons for this.

It is indeed a novel idea, we have deHaviland Beavers in service all over British Columbia. They have an excellent record in rough territory.

Please listen to what is being said here about this.

I am sure with timely notice of the events that are out of the ordinary for our community, less people will have misunderstandings about novel programs and your good intentions.

I certainly intend to do this in Great Bay to keep the novel from being distorted by susu and to know if my projects are not acceptable for one reason or another.

With best wishes, turey.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By luv da plane on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 03:11 pm: Edit Post

Well said and done Hon. Jason Hansel
Wonderful speech, coming from a man who know what he's doing.
Amen and Amen!!!!!!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Shanie on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 03:27 pm: Edit Post

Well, I believe that Mr. Henzell has addressed many of the major concerns I have been reading about on one of the other treads posted on this site. Obviously many of these were addressed long before the plane even landed at Great Pond.
Did any of the persons who posted check to see if these necessary actions were taken before they posted some rather derogatory remarks about this concept? Just wanted to know.....


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By I Wish and Hope on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 - 05:52 pm: Edit Post

Thank you very much for posting these remarks.

This forum is meant for all people who care about Treasure Beach including its residents and its visitors. It is also an excellent way for Jason Henzell, the largest employer in Treasure Beach, to communicate with all interested parties.

Much more has been written ABOUT Mr. Henzell on this forum than BY Mr. Henzell. I believe that is due to the general lack of communications from Mr. Henzell to the COMMUNITY. When people are not made aware of all the facts, or they hear something from someone who has heard something, that allows rumors to form and imaginations to run wild. People fear what they do not know.

There has been a lack of transparency about Mr. Henzell's business ventures and BREDS in the community. Mr. Henzell may be entitled to keep these matters to himself and his closest friends and advisors. However, because he has chosen to do so, this has often served to backfire on him. The seaplane venture is a perfect example. But there will be more, and the community has learned that by working together they can oppose most ANYTHING they feel is unfair.

With all respect, I suggest Mr. Henzell read this forum on a regular basis. I also suggest he use it to make announcements and answer questions and respond to rumors.

I understand Mr. Henzell is busy, but he should NEVER be too busy for this community. Mr. Henzell may not like some of what he will read about himself or his business ventures, but a good leader learns to listen to criticism and respond to it -- quickly and completely. He learns to listen to opposition with an open mind.

I believe Mr. Henzell is fully capable of this so long as he decides to do it.

I wish him well. I wish our community well. And I hope that Mr. Henzell can work with the FULL community to make things happen that are good for everyone.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Work Together on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 02:24 pm: Edit Post

Well said words from I WISH AND HOPE. Lets hope this opens eyes.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Good Heart on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 03:28 pm: Edit Post

It is a fact that communities normally resist change whether for better or worst. The fact is that many persons were not aware of exactly what this water plane would entail - a good way to have done this would be to have a public forum to level with the people on what was proposed and not just persons in the immediate environs.
I would hope that by now though the problem at the Church with regards to the sewage leakage and smell is sorted out - with the sewage treatment plant in the area (which is a great achievement) and Green Globe Certification (great too).
Overall I believe that the operation of Jakes' in the community is a positive one and helps to uplift the community in many ways - jobs,entertainment etc.
I believe that the best way for growth or change to occur is by open communication at all times.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Open Comminication Necessary on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 07:15 am: Edit Post

Open communications are absolutely necessary. I agree a public forum to level on what was proposed would have been an excellent idea. I would liked to have known how often flights were planned, how many passengers would be carried and what the approximate flight costs would be. I would like to have known exactly how many new jobs in the community - IF ANY - whould have been created.

I do not agree communities normally resist change for better or for worse. I believe that is the opinion of the writer and is not supported by actual facts.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By STATIONMASTER on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 12:56 pm: Edit Post

If the float plane, in Mr Henzell's mind, is truly a done deal,
and all threats for sabotage precluded & interdicted, why has the most basic issue of Scheduling been addressed to be tossed around the Forum.

Will the Schedule be on an "As Needed" basis & Whose need & what might be Ballpark pricing...Is it envisioned to aid in aerial surveys by property owners (TB's more focused "Google Earth"), or emergency evacuations to specialty hospitals?...or the JAKES shuttle?

What's up, tiger lilly?

Let's say, I am having drinks on the veranda Saturday night, and I get the urge to call McLain Air's dispatcher, and tell her that I'd like to arrange a flight to Sunny Isle for early Sunday morn...Can do?

Or I'm flying from Miami to MoBay airport on a Tuesday, having arranged , in advance, McLain Air transport to TB.
Would a transfer be handled through Jakes, or taxi, to meet up with the float plane over by Freeport (MoBay) or wherever in God's name?
....arriving at the Pond, after supper.

What kind of logistics are we looking at, with McLain Air as a business entity...i.e., what are the Projections?
Start-Up...6 months...1 year...2 years ...blue yonder!

PS: I have not meant to use the name, McLain Air, in vain, but the venture needed to be called someting!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By concerned on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 09:01 am: Edit Post

Thanks for posting the speech it was enlightening and proves that therefore are always many sides to any story.
I do agree with Open Communications.
I would also liked to have known
*how many flights are scheduled per day/week?
*And how loud is the plane in regards to take offs and landings is it a case of noise pollution?
*how many passengers would be carried?
*what is the approximate flight costs?
*Are flights arriving from anywhere in the island?
*Will they always be on the pond and not on the sea?
*what kind of new jobs in the community are being created?
*Was there a general end conclusion at the meeting and does the float plane have the green light?

These very important details that seem to be missing from this information on this forum and perhaps were discussed at the meeting? I hope we are enlighted to some answers to these very important questions


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By 150 ???? on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 08:59 am: Edit Post

Mr. Henzell stated "I employ 150 persons, who proudly call ourselves the Jakes family." Having been to Jack Sprat and to Jakes, this number seems overly large. How could an establishment with 41 rooms and two restaurants and a spa possibly employ those many persons? Are these fulltime employees or do they work for a few hours when there are things for them to do? The 150 number does not make sense from an economic standpoint.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By No Permission = No Seaplane on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 11:39 am: Edit Post

Based upon what I heard at the meeting there is no green light for the seaplane service. The primary matter seems to be the lack of WRITTEN permissions from the various landowners. Without these, the other possible problems such as approval from Jamaica's official air governance boards, noise and environmental pollution, and safety issues are inconsequential. No permission = no seaplane.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Maro22 on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 03:34 pm: Edit Post

If Jason Henzell had done all that he had said in the posted letter, I doubt there would have been the uproar in the community. That is why I question the intent and facts of the letter. My land site is about 125 meters away from Great Pedro Pond in Old Wharf and I was never contacted.

I have been a commercial real estate broker in Portland ,Oregon, USA for 29 years. There are specific channels and rules of local government in the United States when attempting to mix a high noise creating commercial/ industrial use in with a residential area in most urban areas. I do realize that this is Jamaica, but if a person truly cares about where they live, a stronger consensus would be met.

Was there ever any kind of environmental impact study done on such a venture? The surrounding property owners are not the only ones affected.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By TBNet on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 11:27 am: Edit Post

Whew! This topic has generated quite a few postings over the last few days. In an effort to lessen confusion we have closed both It Landed and Quiet For Too Long threads and ask that any further comments be posted under this thread. The following are links back to both threads making it easy for anyone to review previous comments.

It Landed
Quiet for too long

We would also like to remind everyone at this time any posts containing direct derogatory statements made against someone will not be posted. We understand you may disagree with what is or is not posted and what is or is not derogatory in our eyes, but we are trying our best to be as fair as we can as well as allowing all voices and opinions to be heard. We understand this is a passionate topic. We ask that before you post your message, reread it, make sure it voices your opinion but not at the expense of anyone else.

As a guide, telling someone their idea is 'rubbish' or saying someone is 'only out to line their pockets' is not respectful nor hard facts.

Also, there may be a delay in your posting showing up. There are two of us reviewing these posts and sometimes we need to confer with each other on a particular post. As we both have other responsibilities, this can take time.

Lastly, The visitor is ultimately responsible for what they post. Opinions posted on this forum do not necessarily reflect the views of TB.net. Therefore, TB.net cannot be held responsible. TB.net makes no claims as to the validity of any statements contained in this form. People posting and reading on this forum do so at their own discretion.

Thank you for respecting your fellow web site visitors by following the guidelines.

-TBNet


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Huh? on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 12:08 pm: Edit Post

Mr. Henzell is in partnership with and facilitated the landing of this plane and is involved in this project. Remember he called the meeting and sat at the head table to defend his position. Do you think he would do that if he was not personally involved. Mr. Henzell broke the law by landing this plane on private property. It is called trespassing and is prosecutable offense.

If Mr. Henzell was to walk away from this project and these two gentlemen wanted to land this plane there, I would say the same exact thing to them except I would tell them to also go and find a nice pond in their country of Canada to go and land it on and leave our pond alone.

By the way...I am Jamaican and I live in Treasure Beach.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Educated Jamaican on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 05:44 pm: Edit Post

One of the people who wrote about the people who were posting messages against the seaplane implied those people were from abroad. I personally find that insulting. I am from here. I use proper English and I learned to do this in Jamaica. Many of us have had a good education and more are getting one every day.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By one man on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 10:00 pm: Edit Post

Since Great Pond does not always have water, does anyone see a link between the completion of the canal and the landing of these planes in Great Pond? In other words, will the canal be used to supply sea water to Great Pond in dry weather? This possibility, combined with noise pollution and possible fuel spills, seem rather disheartening to me. Call me "bad minded" if you may, but count me among the naysayers.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Another Allegory on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 01:12 pm: Edit Post

In addition to the Fantasy Island allegory, how about one for The Gods Must Be Crazy? Can someone find a YouTube for that? My connection is too slow.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Emu on Saturday, March 07, 2009 - 09:56 am: Edit Post

When the good old Spaniards came to JA in 1492 or so the gentle inhabitants of the country were in awe of the new people with all the good stuff, trinkets and clothes and beads..and fire water. They welcomed the new wonder people thinking they too would end up being like them one day. Well, just ask the Arawaks what went wrong!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Visitor on Saturday, March 07, 2009 - 08:44 am: Edit Post

Exactly, "criticism". That goes for other topics as well.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Proud on Monday, March 09, 2009 - 06:28 am: Edit Post

I have read with great interest all the posts to do with the seaplane in the various strings here on TB.net. I regret I was not in Treasure Beach when the meeting happened so I could attend it. However, I have communicated with a friend in Treasure Beach who had the opportunity to attend. What he found most interesting and heartening was the organized response of those who objected to the proposed seaplane venture. Up until this meeting, he never felt as if the community had banded together to fight for something, either pro or con. He described this meeting as being quite different because the residents learned that, working together, they had a strong voice. People showed a genuine interest in the plight of their neighbors, not merely their own personal interests. Even if they did not live close to the Great Pond, they cared about others who do; this is the way a strong commuity should work.

I am not saying Treasure Beach residents never cared about each other before this because I know they did. That is one important reason we continue to visit each year.

What I am saying is there is now a level of sophistication in the community whereby people realize that by doing some research and then pulling together, they can be much stronger than individuals working on their own.

To me, THIS is real progress.

Whether or not this seaplane thing happens, I believe this has been a very positive move for the community. I am very proud of the residents of Treasure Beach.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Canal Drainage Direction on Sunday, March 08, 2009 - 06:00 pm: Edit Post

I thought the point of the canal - if it is ever finished - is to drain overflow from the Great Pond into the sea, not send water back into it. Am I missing something?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Curious Too on Sunday, March 08, 2009 - 09:24 am: Edit Post

Inspired by Another Allegory's reference to "The Gods Must Be Crazy," I put considerable time, thought, and energy into a careful, polite, but honest analysis of Henzell's speech, attempting to adhere to the sometimes-seemingly-random rules (I'm not the only one who posts here who says this) of decorum laid down by the webmaster. I addressed only the content of Henzell's statement. Would the webmaster kindly say why my post was not allowed? Perhaps he might say what, specifically, was deemed offensive? Or perhaps my post is still in the queue, and will be posted? Thank you.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Again on Monday, March 09, 2009 - 01:25 pm: Edit Post

The seaplane just landed again - this time nearly in front of Jake's. It seems as if the venture may go through but not at the Great Pond. Presumably, if the correct permissions are obtained from the Jamaican aviation authorities, we may have seaplane service here.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Guessing on Monday, March 09, 2009 - 04:04 pm: Edit Post

Assuming Jason gets the needed permissions from the Government of Jamaica, I presume he can have the seaplane land where he wishes.

I am not against the seaplane service, but I think the local residents may be quite mistaken about it bringing any appreciable amount of jobs to the area.

I do think it would bring in some additional tourists. There are people who are too busy or too impatient to want to be able to drive for two and a half hours to or from MoBay. My guess, and it is merely a guess, is these people might be upscale tourists who would stay at a place such as MarBlue for a few nights.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Curious Too on Monday, March 09, 2009 - 06:45 pm: Edit Post

I am pleased to see that my message asking if my previous post about the sea plane might be posted, in time. I am still hoping it will be, especially now, in light of the many interesting posts on the matter - some in agreement with mine.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mrs. R. Glen on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 07:01 pm: Edit Post

Would someone from Treasure Beach be kind enough to let all those of us not in Treaure Beach know what is happening with the seaplane. I am not looking for idle rumors; I am looking for facts.

Thank you.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Maro22 on Monday, March 09, 2009 - 10:23 pm: Edit Post

One aspect of unrestricted seaplane service that Jason Henzell has forgotten is how the United States government will view the service in terms of security and drug running.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By why is this? on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 07:43 am: Edit Post

It seems there is a bit of underlying resentment in this community pertaining to those with money and/or power, doing what they want without making their plans (which could affect an entire community) clearly known.
Yet most people say nothing publicly.
Is it that many fear losing their jobs if they speak their minds?
If so, that is most sad and surely not the way forward to a better community, a better Treasure Beach.

We should not live in fear for wanting to express an opinion.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By born ya grow ya on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 10:47 pm: Edit Post

Interesting, it appears that they have come into our community and is trying to tell us what can and can't be done, has anyone think about all the taxi drivers in the area losing business as this sea plane will be taking away business and food out of these families plate.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Selma on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 04:30 pm: Edit Post

I would also like to be kept abreast of any developments in this area.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By steeped on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 07:11 am: Edit Post

Have a look at the new post titled
"What is progress and its price"?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By resident on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 07:16 am: Edit Post

The sad reality is that many people in the community do keep their true feelings to themselves and will not speak out against Jason out of fear of losing something. Over the years Jason has provided many things to people in the community from board houses to boat engines to jobs and other opportunities to work abroad. If you speak out publicly against any of his plans, incuding the sports park or the sea plane, you and your family members could be at risk of losing one of these opportunities. It was interesting to see that Jason had a large cheering section at the recent meeting about the sea plane, but they were either his family, his staff, or members of the sports teams. On the opposing side were many local business people, villa owners, environmentalists, and members of the tourism industry who are not economically dependent on Jason. There is an unfortunate and palpable feeling of divisiveness here that is not healthy for the future of the community.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Thank-You on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 02:01 pm: Edit Post

Blessings to all who speak the truth here.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Applause Due on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 01:30 pm: Edit Post

Resident is being painfully honest and I applaud TB.net for having the guts to print what was said.

Nothing would give me more pleasure than to have all the comments in the strings about the seaplane and the sports park read aloud in a public meeting at which Jason had to attend. I realize this is a fantasy, so I'll wish for world peace first.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By rivermaid on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 07:14 pm: Edit Post

Fine speech! But the relevant points stay unanswered. With all the authorities contacted it is very interesting that NEPA wasn`t part of it.
It might be an 'exciting development for aviation' but where is the benefit for the community. Are you people planning a training program for future pilots at the school?
It 'attract new visitors' to the area. How so? Surely nobody new will come just to stare at a float plane which they know already from their respective countries.
As a means of transport then? The Island Hopper f.e. holds max. 4 persons with 1 bag of luggage. The price: 850 US$ per hour. Will the charge in a Float Plane be similar to the route taxi prices?
Does it create jobs then?
Probably 1 handyman to clean the plane and another one to carry luggage?

Parker Mclain, the obviously very rich owner of the plane, bought 3 houses in Black River on the beach, 2 in Crane Road and 1 in Parottee Road, very near the round-about. I don't know about any other property he might own in St. Eliz.
He moved into a peaceful residential area with all the noise and environmental hazards possible: speedboat, jetskies, the occational chopper, now replaced by the float plane, I guess.
Why not face it: the Float Plane is just another plaything for the very rich!

I was on the phone with some potential visitors from Europe when the Float Plane started with unbelievable noise. It was not only impossible to continue the conversation, it was also the most negative advertisement for the Southcoast.
TPDCO, TB, JHT etc. (NEPA seems to be a joke anyway)have their mouth full of 'eco-tourism'. Just to turn full circle and applaude some moneymen to destroy the reputation and natural assets of the Southcoast?
The street-talk down here: 5 more planes to come. I hope it's just that: talk


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rahman on Thursday, March 12, 2009 - 03:29 pm: Edit Post

Ya, but the truth doesn't always get posted.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By visitor on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 09:45 am: Edit Post

i will be in treasure beach during easter is there any thing going on for that weekend.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Reader on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 12:10 pm: Edit Post

Here is an article from today's Gleaner regarding the seaplane.

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090313/business/business5.html


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A Friend on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 12:25 pm: Edit Post

From today's Jamaica Gleaner:

Canadian firm exploring south coast seaplane business venture

Published: Friday | March 13, 2009

Sabrina Gordon, Business Reporter

A Canadian fuel distribution company that 10 months ago launched a small commuter aviation service in its prairie province base of Alberta, is now scouting the possibility of establishing a seaplane operation in Jamaica, primarily to serve the tourist industry.

"It's strictly in the exploratory stage right now, and we are just doing a feasibility study to determine if we should go ahead," Ken Williams, the head of Alberta Fuel Distributor's (AFD)'s recently-launched flight department, said of his current visit to Jamaica.

"We are initially looking at guest transportation from MoBay to the south coast tourist area and now exploring the south coast for a potential landing site," Williams said.

Nifty entrepreneur

Established in 1989 by a nifty entrepreneur, Parker McLean, with a single pick-up van and the basement of his home as his headquarters, AFD has grown into one of Canada's biggest and fastest growing fuel and lubricant marketers, serving logging, construction and mining firms in Alberta, as well as surrounding provinces of British Colombia, Saskatchewan, the Northern Territories and beyond. AFD has grown substantially by acquisition as well as line extension, including the construction of specially strengthened, environmentally-friendly fuel tanks in China.

Now, McClean, who has a home in Black River, St Elizabeth, apparently believes that it might be possible to expand AFD's fledgling aviation arm - it has three commuter planes - to Jamaica. AFD is working on the Jamaica project with Jason Henzel, who runs the boutique hotel, Jake's, in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth. The company dispatched Williams, who used to run his own aviation business, to Jamaica for the first phase of determining whether the business is possible.

"We are currently in the process of trying to determine what operating cost in Jamaica would be," he told the Financial Gleaner. "Finances will have to be looked at in terms of return on investment which is difficult to estimate as one does not realise profitability immediately."

While small commuter planes, landing in stretches of pastures, in the sea and in rivers, might be relatively common in the rough and tumble world of the Canadian hinterland, it would be nostalgic for Jamaica, harking back to the early days of aviation in the island when Pan Am's Yankee Clipper landed in the sea off the Palisadoes in Kingston.

It would likely also fit the laid-back image of the Jamaican south coast that tourism planners and industry operators there like to pro-ject. It is that image from old black and white films of the planes landing in the sea and the stars emerging into an unspoilt tropical paradise.

Indeed, Williams said the sea plane service, if launched, would be targeted at the mid to high-end tourist who wants to experience this kind of travel between points on the island.

Potential landing sites

Williams has flown one of AFD's planes around the island, looking a potential landing sites, including, presumably, areas close to Jake's and other south coast properties.

The Civil Aviation Authority said it has not received an application for a commercial operating licence, although the agency is apparently aware of the company's prospecting and search for requisite information, including from appropriate environmental agencies.

This first phase of the feasibility study should be completed by mid April.

"If the outcome is favourable, then we will fast track the licence and thus expect to be up and running by the next tourist season in November," he said.

sabrina.gordon@gleanerjm.com
_________________________________________

A letter to the editor might be in order. There is an easy-to-complete form available for this purpose clicking
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/feedback.html


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A Friend on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 12:39 pm: Edit Post

Information on Parker McLean's company:

http://www.albertafuel.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By The NEXT Speech on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 10:40 am: Edit Post

Now what about "The Truth" of this week. It appears that Mr. Henzell is on the charm offensive. I was not able to attend the meeting last night as the agenda was not announced but I hear it was full of news. Anyone care to post who attended. All I can say is that even Exxon has their own environmentalist.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Stateside on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 03:08 pm: Edit Post

There was a meeting last night? PLEASE fill us in.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JET on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 02:47 pm: Edit Post

I am the environmentalist who attended the meeting in Treasure Beach last night. My name is Diana McCaulay. I am a Jamaican, from Kingston, and have been running an environmental non profit agency called the Jamaica Environment Trust for 18 years. We run a large environmental education programme in Jamaican schools, we are environmental advocates, and we provide free legal advice to communities affected by environmental issues.

I am concerned about a range of threats to an extraordinary place in Jamaica, Treasure Beach, and at Jason Henzell's invitation, came to see the area, the pond, the drain, the sports field, and then on a fairly impromptu basis, was asked with my colleagues to attend a community meeting. I was at pains to tell everyone at the meeting that we are not employed by Jason, that we try to respond to requests for input and advice from any community who asks us, and we do not charge for our services.

I am happy to outline the concerns I have, which were stated at the meeting, also happy to return to Treasure Beach for a larger and better publicized meeting, but just wanted at this point to respond to the quite unjustified slur made by The Next Speech that "even Exxon has their own environmentalist" and explain what happened yesterday.

We tend to have problems in Jamaica because people very quickly settle into entrenched positions, guided by knee jerk distrust, suspicion and self interest, and this kind of response is a serious obstacle to productive collaborations for the benefit of our communities.

Like I said, I'm happy to state my views for the benefit of everyone who reads this forum and to come back to Treasure Beach if that is seen as desirable.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By TBNet on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 04:31 pm: Edit Post

By all means, Ms. McCaulay, please give your view of the meeting and the project in general.

On a side note, I was a fresh Peace Corps volunteer in 1996 when Jimmy McNiel took us environmental volunteers for a visit to your office and hear you speak on the general state of Jamaica's environmental concerns.

I look forward to your post.

Respect Due,
Eric


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By The NEXT Speech on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 04:53 pm: Edit Post

I offer apologies to Mrs. McCaulay - she is definitely on the right side of the fence. As I said - I could not attend. You are right - we do tend to "Assume" and you know what they say about that... I think it would be really a good thing if the community knew of a meeting in advance and Mrs. McCauley came to answer questions.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 10:39 pm: Edit Post

Hi Diana, good to see you here.

I have known Diana from teenage days and respect her informed approach and passion.

TB can benefit from her presence and advise.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 08:12 am: Edit Post

Ms. McCaulay, thank you very much for taking the time to address this forum. Personally, I would absolutely welcome and appreciate your input and advice.

I've heard nothing but praises for your work and your reputation. Thank you for taking the time to study the environmental issues facing our precious community.

I look forward to hearing your reports.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JET on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 09:48 am: Edit Post

Thanks everybody. Here, in a nutshell, is the gist of what I said at the meeting, as well as an update on some checking I did after.

First, I want to say that I came to Treasure Beach from Negril on Thursday. We had been in Negril to show our film "Jamaica for Sale," and for any of you who have not seen it, I suggest you contact us for a copy, as I hope it shows in a very graphic way what can happen to an area that becomes touristified.

I left squalid, dirty, ugly, noisy, ruined Negril and drove along Jamaica's country roads and through its villages to TB, where I found a place, that while not perfect by any means, was still a real place, an authentic bit of Jamaica, a place where walls and fences were at a minimum (although escalating), a quiet place, a clean place, a place where visitors were not isolated from residents, a place where beaches were shared and the coastline was visible at many points. I imagine some of you understand precisely how rare this is in the modern Jamaica we have built, but perhaps not everyone is geared up to fight for its preservation. This fight is going to mean coming together, putting aside those things on which we do not agree, putting aside distrust and old disagreements, to really focus on a bigger picture where so much is at stake.

Here is my take home message: TB is RIGHT AT THIS MOMENT on the edge of exactly the type of development that would destroy it. It will happen in an incremental way, a nibbling away here, a nibbling away there, a bigger house here and there, a wall here, a zinc fence there, and then the day when you hear a large hotel chain has bought a property or a piece of land and then it is all over, bar the shouting.

What needs to happen is that the community insist on the development of some kind of community or parish plan, could be a development order (parish wide) or just a plan for TB. Getting this to have the force of law is a longer exercise, but it can and should be done as a matter of the most extreme urgency.

The people of TB need to agree on certain things. Off the top of my head, these should include: restriction of size and height of hotels, guest houses and private houses, no more building around the pond unless on stilts, the development of a drainage assessment so we understand where the drainage channels are and do not build to obstruct them (this is what caused part of the problem with the pond flooding), mandatory roof collection systems and water storage for all new developments and a phased conversion to such systems for older ones, no jacuzzis, swimming pools kept to a minimum (none would be best, but there are already some), use of solar energy as much as feasible, investigation into sewage and waste treatment systems - it might be that TB has to use dry systems, given the water scarcity in the area, and I gather that much work has been done on this overseas and there are now some good options, some kind of conservation protection for the ponds, the coast (no groynes, dredging, use of sand tightly controlled, no blocking of views, access ways to the coast provided by landowners), strong protection for the reef (I heard at the meeting about an awful suggestion to make a channel through the reef to allow two very big boats built by fishers to get out), the establishment of fish sanctuaries, very tight controls on noise, the development of waste reduction, waste collection, composting and recycling systems, absolutely no burning for any reason, protection for the native vegetation, especially lignum vitae, acacia, the cactii, calabash, sea grape and others (am not a botanist, advice would be needed), absolutely no golf course ever, no planting of exotic species that might or might not become invasive (there are already some neems), the establishment of water quality and coral reef monitoring, so that any problems are seen early enough for corrective action to be taken, the establishment of natural systems for mosquito control, no misguided "beautification," no misguided modernization - TB is what it is. And we love what it is. That is the guiding principle.

I will stop there so as not to make everybody's eyes cross. :-)

With regard to the seaplane and the pond, I told the meeting and Jason that it was important to do an assessment of the species of wildlife in the pond in order to understand what the risks were. He asked me to recommend someone who could do that and I will. I think there has already been some work done. I cannot speak about the private property issues - no expertise or knowledge there. With regard to noise and humans, this is a decision for the community and in my opinion relates to frequency - everyone might feel that infrequent landings would be tolerable and better than the helicopter or, God forbid, an airstrip. With regard to possible accidents and oil pollution, there would have to be a response team trained and the equipment to control and clean up oil spills located in TB.

With regard to the pond drain, I tried to explain to the meeting that I fear this is going to be harmful to the marine environment. This was not really accepted by those present, most of whom seemed to be Great Bay residents who had been flooded out. After I left the meeting, I called the Water Resources Authority and learned the following:

(a) The WRA tested the water quality in the pond and found it to be of suitable standard to be let out into the sea. (We will get the results of those tests and review them. Much will depend on whether they tested in wet or dry seasons. I walked on the pond side at more than once place and saw lots of goat and cow excrement, in rainy seasons this will wash into the pond and make the water quality of the pond nutrient rich, which is very bad for the marine environment. If the drain is to stay, and it seems that it will have to, TB should consider not allowing livestock on the banks of the pond.)

(b) The drain is to be covered, which should mean it will not be used as a dump for garbage and will deal with the aesthetic impacts. TB has to insist this happens.

(c) A water and coral reef monitoring programme is needed to make sure that over time, there are not impacts to the marine environment.

(d) The flooding mostly came about due to increased run off from building on the hills behind TB and blocking of natural channels. This kind of building has to be severely curtailed.

I also asked about the water scarcity. The WRA told me that there is sufficient water for south west St. Elis, but not south east. The problems in TB come about due to conflicts between farmers and residents. Farmers are supposed to use the water provided by the irrigation commission, but they don't want to do this because they have to pay. If farmers were not using domestic water for irrigation, then according to the WRA, there would be eough for TB. This is something that the community should try and hammer out a solution for.

I asked about wells. The WRA advised that there is no excess groundwater capacity for wells, so consideration has to be given to how playing fields will be irrigated. Remember if you over extract water from wells, you then get saline intrusion into the aquifer and all wells have to be closed and takes geologic time to rectify. This has happened in other parts of Jamaica.

I took photos of the drain and have sent them to the WRA, as I feel there is a danger of silt washing into the sea before the drain is completed and this would be very damaging. I don't know if they will act, but we will push them and NEPA to do so.

I think that is what I have to say for now. You have such advantages in TB. It seemed to me that you did have a functioning citizens association, much as there appeared to be "factions," an active foundation in BREDS that has done much good work in the community, a relatively unspoiled natural environment, a really good working model of low impact tourism, people in the community who can connect at the political and business levels to lobby for what you want, low levels of poverty and crime and so on. I don't need to tell you what you have. All I need to tell you is how quickly it can all change.

Nuff said. We all (but especially residents) have to come together around one theme - keep the treasure in Treasure Beach.

Diana


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A.Todd on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 09:38 am: Edit Post

All of us in Jamaica who are concerned with the environment are very familiar with Diana McCauley and her work. We also know that if there is one person who can not be 'bought' it is her. She has fought on the opposite side of many business persons a lot richer and lot more powerful than Jason. If Jason had wanted an environmentalist who was on 'his side' it would not be her. In this case he brought in someone who has an impeccable reputation and a true passion for the environment.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By agree on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 01:02 pm: Edit Post

Thank you Diana McCauley for your clear and precise advice as well as the warning of where we seem to be heading.
It is more than obvious that we must ALL come together to protect this area from becoming another Ocho Rios, Negril or Montego Bay.
How about another meeting in another month or so, with more information as to how we can go forward?
I agree. "Keep the treasure in Treasure Beach".


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Karen Kennedy on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 03:10 pm: Edit Post

Mrs. McCaulay, it was a genuine pleasure to read your report.

You are perfectly correct in your assesment of Treasure Beach being on the "edge of exactly the type of development that would destroy it."

Please know there are many in Treasure Beach who want it to remain the gem it is and we thank you for recognizing this. You can count on our full cooperation to keep Treasure Beach from being spoiled.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By T/Beach Born on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 04:05 pm: Edit Post

"no blocking of views, access ways to the coast provided by landowners)", really struck a chord with me having grown up in Billy's Bay we use to go swimming at Bob Simms' beach we cannot acess it unless we trespass on people land , also the new owner of the land have since ran a wall right in the sea . They also built a wall right at big guinape tree where there was a pond now the water settle on the road . Their neighbours have complain about it ...I don't know if anything have been done because they went to the Parish council. I think we should get campaiming to keep Treasure beach the way it is. That's why we love it so much. Community tourism keep it community that's why people come here. Lets UNITE and keep Treasure Beach the way it is.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By My stay on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 12:57 pm: Edit Post

This same old story has been heard over, and over again. I remember quite well a meeting was held at the Sandy Bank School with reference to the construction of the canal; the villa owners near the canal and hotel owner objected to its construction, their main stay was that there would be dead goats and sheep floating in the canal.

It must be known that all lands around the pond was owned by cattle farmers for decades, they are Reid whose land stretched from the Sandy Bank Primary School to almost Calabash Bay corner on both sides of the Main road.
The Gayle’s Cattle Farm was located where the now infamous sport Park is to be constructed.

The Cooke’s Cattle farm was located in almost all of Old Wharf.

The Gilpin’s on the opposite side of the pond.

In all my life which by no means a kid now in by late sixties have there been any disagreement between these land owners, but merely cattle straying from one farm to the next, and the rightful owner retrieving his animal.

I find it preposterous for un-invited guests to invade, infringe, upon these people and their properties.

That’s my stay, whose Home, or property is next to be invaded?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Very Upset on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 06:48 am: Edit Post

This is quite upsetting. Mrs. McCauley sounds like an extremely dedicated and intelligent professional.

Mrs. McCauley states her organization tries to respond to requests for input and advice from any community who asks. Mr. Henzell is not the community. He is merely one individual doing business in the community.

To me, it sounds as if she was somehow duped into coming to Treasure Beach under the subterfuge of seeing whether Mr. Henzell’s plans for the Sports Park and the seaplane landing on Great Pond would cause damage to the environment. Environmental damage is certainly of great concern with both these projects, but this is not really the objective of Mr. Henzell’s exercise. I believe the objective is to obtain positive press reports to somehow counteract the great amount of negativity Mr. Henzell has engendered in the community.

Even if there is no environmental damage from the seaplanes landing on Great Pond, the landowners there have not given permission for this business to be operated.

This is a legal problem, first and foremost.

It is embarrassing that Mrs. McCauley may have been led to believe otherwise.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Confused on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 07:23 am: Edit Post

If Miss Diana is concerned about the threat to certain sanctuaries in TB, of which the said threats are being guided or helped by an individual,why would that same individual invite Miss Diana to examine said concerns? More likely that she would be there to allay or ease any fears that residents of TB would have in regards to any threat. I am confused. I guess I'll just have to trust in the wisdom of Turey that all is well.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A Friend of Treasure Beach on Friday, March 13, 2009 - 05:22 pm: Edit Post

Dear Ms. McCauley,

I find it fascinating this "impromptu" meeting was not even announced to the community via this Forum by Mr. Henzell. He is well aware this Forum is the best way to quickly spread the word of local happenings. If you take the time to read the various posts on this Forum (not only in this particular string), you will quickly see what the sentiment of the community and the community's stakeholders is.

I do not feel you were hired by Mr. Henzell. Rather, I believe you were unwittingly used by him in his effort to do whatever he prefers, regardless of the feelings of the community.

I would be most appreciative if you would be so kind as to state your views.

With respect,
A Friend of Treasure Beach


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JET on Saturday, March 14, 2009 - 06:36 pm: Edit Post

Dear Friend of Treasure Beach,
As far as I understand it, the meeting I was asked to attend was the regular meeting of the Citizens Alert Association - forgive me if that is not the exact name. But as a scheduled meeting, I thought folks would have known when it was taking place.

I have already stated my views at quite a bit of length, including the offer to come back for a better publicized meeting. I don't really have much more to add.

And I would have come to TB whoever had asked me.

Anyway, can't really help if there is just going to be a row. It will be the residents of TB who ultimately lose, though.

Diana


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mi concerned too on Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 09:29 am: Edit Post

Ms. McCauley, much appreciation for your time so far, in giving us wise and direct advice.
Could you please let us know when it would be possible for you to return to TB for another meeting, and what other environmental peoples we could invite that could best inform us as to the facts concerning the preservation of this precious little place, which will hopefully also guide the community as to how best "grow" or not grow ..
Thank you.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JET on Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 10:32 am: Edit Post

I will be away from Jamaica March 26 to April 22. Probably organizing a meeting before I leave might not be possible, but I am not ruling it out - if there is a day/time TB residents think is desirable before March 26, ask me. Otherwise, we can set up a meeting after I return. As for other people, you could ask Wendy Lee from the Northern Jamaica Conservation Association, maybe Andreas Oberli, who is a botanist and knows about the vegetation, Basil Fernandez from the Water Resources Authority - I know he is going away shortly too - Ann Sutton, who owns a house there (I think) and knows about the pond and the birds, Danielle Andrade from JET (who was in TB with me this week), she is an environmental attorney and can speak about the laws, your MP, folks from the parish council, representatives of all the community associations in the area and so on.

WE could also show our documentary Jamaica for Sale - this is something we wanted to do anyway, because it's one thing to show it on the north coast where the damage has already been done, but perhaps it will do more good where there is still a great deal to protect. The film is feature length - one and a half hours, so it does require a time commitment.

I think it is for the community to decide what it wants, but those are my thoughts. Maybe a few people could form a small committee and could be in touch with me directly about the possibilities?

Diana


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 11:25 am: Edit Post

It's clear to me that Ms McCauley is on the side of sane and sustainable development and a healthy informed community. No other side.

All is certainly not well Confused, I hope all of us have the wisdom to seek solutions. Me, I'm a cheerleader for Livity, don't know if that is counted as wise. It just feels right.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mamacatb on Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 11:38 am: Edit Post

Please tread very carefully when it comes to development versus the environment. My daughter is an environmental scientist. As such she has been sent to help assess the environmental damage and clean up for hurricanes Katrina in New Orleans and Ike in Texas. As another facet of her work, she is often sent to areas where the environment has been destroyed by over development. Treasure Beach is truly a precious jewel for all Jamaicans. As a visitor, I cannot think of a more beautiful place in all Jamaica. I can only sit from afar and read about the proceedings occurring in your community. Having listened to my daughter's horror stories of destroyed communities here in the USA, I can only reiterate, ONCE PARADISE IS LOST YOU CAN NEVER GET IT BACK. It takes decades to clean up environmental destruction but even then, some things can never be replaced or regained. Please think long and hard about your treasured community.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Karen Kennedy on Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 06:13 pm: Edit Post

Jason, thanks very much for bringing Diana McCauley (and JET) into Treasure Beach. I believe this is an incredibly valuable thing for the entire community. Kudos!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By weh di float plane plan? on Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 11:42 pm: Edit Post

Where is the plan for the float plane business?
Still no sign of it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By BW on Monday, March 16, 2009 - 06:17 pm: Edit Post

I am one of the land owner close to the pond and i can honestly say i did not have any knowleage of this meeting. I saw it right here on TB.net.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By G-man on Monday, March 16, 2009 - 06:19 pm: Edit Post

Exactly what value does Diana McCauley add to Treasure Beach? Does she know TB more than the people that born and/or live there? Was she able to get to know the entire eco-system of the area in the short time she was there? While she may be very qualified in her field I think there are a lot of opinions, mine included, that are more relevant to the issue than what Ms. McCauley may bring to the table. Then again, everyone is entitled to their own opinions.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By No Plan on Monday, March 16, 2009 - 03:48 pm: Edit Post

I would doubt you will see such a plan.

The float plane business is being proposed by a large Canadian company that is primarily in the petroleum (diesel, gasoline, and oil), lubricants, and racing fuel products business. They have about 20 locations in Western Canada.

They are a private business and do not have to report their plans to anyone unless they choose to. I can't imagine they feel beholden to inform our residents what they propose via TB.net.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Monday, March 16, 2009 - 10:22 pm: Edit Post

Respect G-man, I have a feeling the whole community can participate in this. Ms McCauley is offering her opinions, it is up to the community to decide if she is offering appropriate information.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By need help on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - 02:33 am: Edit Post

One does not have to live in Treasure Beach or the area, to recognize the fragile line we are walking on in regards the environment and threat of over-development. Diana McCauley is highly respected in her field and willing to help. (I cannot say that about some residents of TB, who seem to make comments but do nothing positive for their community). Maybe if G-Man could educate him or herself by finding out what JET and Diana McCauley stand for, and appreciate that the offer to help is a tremendously generous gift that we should not turn down.
As for the proposed "float plane" plan. Jason Henzell stated that he was going to discuss it at the meeting on March 2nd .. however to date no plan has been disclosed. Why no plan?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By No Plan on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - 05:46 pm: Edit Post

If this was a poker site I would be willing to bet alot you will not see a plan.

Jason Henzell is not developing a plan. Alberta Fuel is.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By G-man on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - 06:35 pm: Edit Post

If the lady had been brought in to assess the situation in Treasure Beach BEFORE the plane had landed I would not have anything to say. My impression from the posts here(I do not reside in TB now)is that she was brought in after the fact by the person that supported and facilitated the landing of the plane. I apologize if I misinterpreted the time line, otherwise I stand firm in my earlier pronouncement- The people of Treasure Beach don't need to be told that they are right in opposing the plane idea. This one was a no-brainer. Common sense betta than education sometime.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JET on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - 08:19 am: Edit Post

Another thing that is an obstacle to addressing our various problems in Jamaica is over concern with people's motives. Does it really matter if the catalyst for the invitation for me to come to Treasure Beach was the seaplane? Either my visit there, short though it was, did give some value to the community and opened the door for more, or it didn't and won't. WHY I was there is less important, don't you think?

I can only reiterate what I said earlier - I am happy to come back. My suggestion is an all day meeting on a weekend, maybe a Saturday. JET will do a talk about some of the laws, some of the environmental issues I saw, folks can raise other concerns that perhaps I did not see, we can try and find the things we AGREE on, rather than spend a lot of time focused on what we do not agree on. Then in the evening, we could show our film Jamaica for Sale for everybody. I really think TB should see what is very likely in store for the area, if action is not mounted to prevent it.

If enough people think that is a worthwhile suggestion, then let's do it. It's up to the folks in TB to pick the time and organize the logistics.

Diana


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By before its too late on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - 07:40 am: Edit Post

G-Man, the "lady" (who has a name: it is Diana McCauley) was called on her phone en route from Negril to Kingston. She spontaneously came to TB, and there happened to be a meeting the same evening which she attended. it does not matter who brought her to Treasure Beach . The fact is she came (thankfully), and is as concerned as we are about some obviously disturbing environmental issues - AND seems to have some very good ideas on how to stop it from becoming a disaster like Negril.

I just do not understand the opposing of someone/anyone who cares about this country, the communities in it, and IS willing to help. Thats more than most are prepared to do ..

Why aren't we willing to learn how to better our home environment, so future generations will have a better place to live also?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By No Plan on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - 07:57 am: Edit Post

Yes Miss McCaulay was brought in to Treasure Beach by "the person that supported and facilitated the landing of the plane." I don't believe she has yet said the plane is a good or bad thing. Whether or not Jason brought her in to support "his side" is not relevant. It is a blessing that through whatever means she came to Treasure Beach, she did come to us.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By I Care. Do You? on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 05:56 am: Edit Post

People, let's get our act together. It is high time for the people in Treasure Beach to decide if they want to preserve the good things we have and clean up some of our mess. Miss McCauley correctly says while there are things people will disagree on, there are things we will agree on. Let's set up a meeting like she suggests and see what we can do WORKING TOGETHER. Some people are for the seaplane and some are against it, but we all want ENOUGH CLEAN WATER. There will be many other items of agreement, maybe more than we suspect. If you sit and do nothing, then you have no right to complain when someone else does something you don't agree with. You end up either being part of the problem or part of the solution. I think being part of the solution is a lot more constructive. Agree?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Appreciative on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 07:10 am: Edit Post

I have heard a good deal about what got presented and discussed at the first seaplane meeting. Jason's speech being published here made things much more understandable to me.

Would someone please be kind enough to explain what happened at the second meeting. I know Miss McCaulay of JET was there and spoke but that's all I really know. I am seeing a lot of opinions but not very many facts.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By forward on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 03:09 pm: Edit Post

Appreciative: please read all the postings under this subject heading .. and you will see what Diana McCauley (JET) has written.
From what I gather she is collecting information.

Regarding the seaplane,as far as I know, no business plan has been put forth to the general public (this means us!).

I for one think it would be a good idea to have a meeting maybe in a month or so to learn more about what we could do to immediately help the environment in the TB area so we do not end up as any of the north coast towns.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Appreciative on Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 07:24 pm: Edit Post

Thanks Forward. I did not realize Meeting Number Two was only with Miss McCaulay speaking. I thought other people spoke too.

Something isn't making sense to me. From all the posts it sounds like Miss McCaulay was contacted the day of the meeting to come look at Treasure Beach. Are you saying there was no advance meeting planned on the seaplane or any other topic and Jason called it the same day only after he learned Miss McCaulay could be present?Is Jason in charge of the Citizens Alert Group?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Save Treasure Beach on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 05:19 am: Edit Post

This is a most useful and informative string. I believe it is up to each and every individual who cares about Treasure Beach to do their part in improving our community and to be vigilant about not allowing anything to possibly hurt it. If we do not do this, we will have no one else but ourselves to blame. This is one of those matters where it might seem easier to leave it up to someone else to stand up for our rights, but look at what happened with the Canal when the community did not get together except after it was too late. It is easier to stop something which could cause harm BEFORE it happens.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Confused on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 06:44 am: Edit Post

This doesn't make sense to me either. Somewhere else it talks about the Citizens Alert Group and Jason's name is not mentioned as being on the board. Is he? If so maybe any board member can call a meeting. Will someone say how a meeting that is not on the monthly schedule gets called. Does it have to be approved by Bones or Bowl? Can any resident call a meeting? Why are some at the TBWG and some at the Basic School?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By meetings on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 08:19 am: Edit Post

I'm guessing that the first seaplane meeting was called by Jason so he could present his prepared statement after a number of outraged people called him regarding the landing of the plane. He probably called Bones, president of the Citizens Alert Group, to schedule an emergency meeting, and the Treasure Beach Women's Group building could accommodate more people than a classroom at the school. The second meeting was a regularly scheduled Citizens Alert meeting, and again I'm guessing that Jason called Bones at the last minute to see if he could bring special guests Ms. McCaulay and her associates to speak to the group. I presume anyone can ask to make a presentation at the regular meeting or call an emergency meeting by contacting Bones or Bowl. Ms. McCaulay has offered to come back but is off island until the end of April.I hope she will be invited to return as soon as possible.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Checker on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 07:50 pm: Edit Post

Here's a little insight into JET. Check out this link http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20071028/cleisure/cleisure3.html.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tired on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 05:01 pm: Edit Post

It is obvious to me "dis plane ting" is happening no matter what the community thinks. The plane either flies over TB or lands in the sea at TB almost every day. Twice that I know of today alone. Oh, and let's not forget about the helicopter coming and going this weekend.

My impression is we are being told exactly what our (citizens of the community) opinion means and how much it is worth by these actions. So wasting energy on any discussion on this topic is just that, a waste of energy in my opinion.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Idea on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 04:56 pm: Edit Post

How about asking her to come for the May meeting? She could spend some time in Treasure Beach before the meeting - maybe even seeing some things from the sea. She might be able to make some suggestions that are fairly easy to implement.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JET on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 10:31 am: Edit Post

In response to Checker, who has posted a link to a column written by Dawn Ritch, accusing JET of an "unhealthy" relationship with the Sandals Group:

Checker could, of course, have chosen to post any one of dozens of stories on JET's work with Jamaican students, teachers or communities on behalf of our natural resources. He or she chose, however, to post an accusation of conflict of interest from an opinion columnist who never took the time to speak to me or anyone at JET about this before writing the column.

Here are the facts. JET was seeking office space back in 1999, as we were fast outgrowing the space given to us at concessionary rent by General Accident Insurance Co. I suppose Checker would consider them guilty of undue influence as well. The house at 11 Waterloo Road, owned by Gorstew, one of Butch Stewart's companies, was unoccupied and in disrepair. We approached him about occupying it. After quite a long period of negotiation, he gave his permission, as long as we raised the funds to make it habitable. I suspect he thought we would be unable to do so. But we did, some J$2 million, and moved in in 2001. We have an annual lease, the rent we pay is peppercorn, but we have paid for the initial repairs and had to replace the roof last year, after hurricane damage - so it has not really been "free." We are grateful for the space, nontheless, because it is much easier to raise money for repairs to a building than for monthly rent.

JET is funded by a wide range of private sector and govt donors, both local and international. Most of our funding is raised locally. Our biggest donor is actually the Ministry of Education, who funds the Schools Environment Programme. Despite this, JET filed a lawsuit against the GOJ in 2005, so I'm not sure we can really be accused of being so easily "bought."

Our donors are published in our Annual Report, which is made available to our members at Annual General Meeting. Our finances are audited by KPMG Peat Marwick. We make annual returns both to the Registrar of Companies and the Income Tax Department, and these documents are a matter of public record. We do not publish our donors on our website for obvious reasons - they might then be bombarded by requests for funding from others and this could compromise our own funding.

We have been approached many times over the years by people who support us financially and in other ways to give advice on environmental issues. Obviously, they hope for a certain type of advice, but I always tell them (a) we will not accept payment and (b) our advice is going to be independent.

I personally have been threatened, harrassed, stood alone in meetings full of hostile people imported to give support to harmful projects, have driven all over the island to talk to folks concerned about the loss of natural resources and impacts to public health, sat through hundreds of stultifying meetings, addressed Parliament, called press conferences, written countless words, collaborated on two films, developed an education programme which has reached over 300,000 Jamaican children and 600 teachers over 11 years, cleaned up beaches every year since 1994, taken Jamaican kids and teachers on numerous field trips, built an organization which now employs 7 full-time, committed, professional young Jamaicans one of whom is a lawyer and we offer free legal advice to communities affected by environmental problems; I have sat on the government regulatory board under both the PNP and the JLP (another lone fight in a generally hostile room), I have been called every name in the book, including racist and classist curses, accused of being anti people, anti development and anti job - you get the picture.

One thing I know after close to 20 years - when someone does not want to deal with the message I bring, the concerns I raise, they turn to attacking the messenger in any way they can. Her motives are suspect. She's not from this community. She's white. She's an elitist. She wants to keep Jamaicans out of her favourite places. Believe me, I have heard it all. But I have continued to do a simple thing - stand up for something I believe in.

Anyway, I am not going to defend myself on this forum again. JET and I can be checked out - as I said, our documents are public and our website has a lot of information on our programmes. We will continue to be concerned about environmental issues in Treasure Beach and all of Jamaica, we will continue to advocate for our natural resources, whether or not this is popular.

And one last thing Checker - I'd have a lot more respect for you if you had raised the question about JET's relationship with Sandals in a direct manner and signed your name.

Diana


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Checker on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 06:34 pm: Edit Post

In searching the internet trying to find info on JET, I could not find a website or url. Instead, I came across this article and found it interesting because I had at first thought that JET was a quasi Jamaican Government entity. So far it looks like JET is a private organization. I did not or will not embellish by stating what I think about principals; I reserve my opinion. Instead I merely tried to pass along information that might help the residents of TB, my place of birth, to not look gift horses in the mouth. I have no interest in, or fear of any tete-tete with professionals; my machine and IP address can be had by anyone who has the means. And I certainly do not care whether or not I have your respect JET or whomoever is personified by the above post.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Good or Bad? on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 03:17 pm: Edit Post

No way Miss McCauley can "win" in a biased piece by that Gleaner writer. Let's see - she's good because she was brought in by Jason and he really helps Treasure Beach. Wait. Maybe that makes her bad because he wants to land the seaplane and that could hurt our environment. She's bad because she leases office space from one of Butch Stewart's companies. Or does that make her good because Butch Stewart founded Sandals and Beaches which are certified by Green Globe, but she doesn't think much of Green Globe.

I would guess if I searched the internet I could find articles that are for or against most any public figure.

This lady obviously has guts. She obviously is considered an expert in her field. She is not taking one penny from anyone in Treasure Beach to say one thing or another.

It makes no sense whatsoever to attack the credentials and attempt to diminish someone whose objective it is to help our community.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By To Checker on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 - 12:50 pm: Edit Post

Excuse me, Checker, I have two questions:

1. Are you implying Diana McCaulay has a "special" relationship with Sandals and/or she believes they are an exemplary organization with respect to their environmental policies?

2. Do you believe someone who is a tenant of a particular entity or person cannot behave independently, even if they believe differently than their landlord? If so, does it have to do with whether they pay the "going" rent or are on a peppercorn lease?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Don't Understand on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - 06:48 am: Edit Post

Why is the plane making landings roughly every day in the sea? Is it transporting guests?

Assuming it lands in the sea with guests, how do those people get from the plane to the land?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Info on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - 06:04 am: Edit Post

JET's website is http://www.jamentrust.org/.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Odd? on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - 03:50 pm: Edit Post

Kind of odd Checker couldn't find JET's website.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eric on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 - 04:59 pm: Edit Post

I found their site using "jet jamaica" with google. Doesn't seem like its 'hidden'.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Not Understanding on Thursday, March 26, 2009 - 06:53 am: Edit Post

What IS the status of the seaplane venture? Why does it continue to land in Treasure Beach almost every day?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Not Understanding on Thursday, March 26, 2009 - 04:51 pm: Edit Post

Could someone please answer.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bowl on Thursday, March 26, 2009 - 08:30 pm: Edit Post

A sea plane can come in from Cuba, The Caymans or
Haiti. Where in T.B. is our Customs and Immigration.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Pilot on Friday, March 27, 2009 - 10:05 am: Edit Post

If a seaplane came in from outside of Jamaica with commercial passengers, I fail to see it being able to land in Treasure Beach. Customs & Immigration is not going to open a facility in Treasure Beach.

My understanding is these seaplanes would operate to and from MoBay.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By alice on Sunday, March 29, 2009 - 05:19 pm: Edit Post

It's disturbing to know that JA's borders are so vunerable. It's also distrubing to see that governmental oversight is missing when there is a stated and known issue such as this. I would urge the government to move into the 21st Century on issues of oversight,adherenance/compliance with its laws which are presumably inacted to ensure the safety, prosperity and protection of its citizenry and sovereignty. For gov't to be effective it must enforce laws across the board blindly without preference. Where is the governmental response? Governmental silence and laissez -faire makes JA appear stereotypically "third world" rather than developing and a Caribbean leader, which it is. I look forward to seeing some action by the governmental(ie enviornmental impact studies, aviation, national security divisions immigration, land rights, permits, etc).


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By The Price of Government on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 - 11:03 am: Edit Post

Jamaica's borders have always been vulnerable. I would suggest illegal weapons are brought into Jamaica in trade for drugs. I would also think Jamaica is a transfer point for contraband brought in on high-speed boats coming from South America. I do NOT think Jamaica is alone; essentially, all islands are vulnerable to this.

The government can only do so much about the borders. Do you recall when there were US soldiers stationed at Lover's Leap? I doubt they ever intercepted anything, but it was probably a lovely place to be in the military service.

The government can certainly do more about the environment IF they get smarter. I wouldn't trust the people from NWA to do anything after what they did with the canal. Sometimes it's better to have no government intervention.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Work Together on Wednesday, April 01, 2009 - 09:14 am: Edit Post

Be realistic. The entire shoreline of Jamaica cannot be protected. But we, as citizens and lovers of TB, CAN protect what happens witin our borders and near our shoreline. We need to concentrate on what is within our control, not things that even the most efficient and well-funded governments cannot achieve.

Let's deal with the pollution we are creating ourselves. Let's deal with recycling. Let's find alternative energy methods. Let's do what we can to control our own our environment. We will not be perfect, but we can be much better.

Let's move together as a community in a positive direction to solve many of the problems we are causing before it is too late to fix them. This is not only for ourselves but for the legacy we hope to leave for our children and grandchildren.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Who Will Help? on Thursday, April 02, 2009 - 08:11 am: Edit Post

Are there people in the community willing to work with Miss McCaulay to make some of this happen? I would do so if I lived down there. If people would like to do this, could they post their names here or write to Miss McCaulay?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Willing on Friday, April 03, 2009 - 06:52 am: Edit Post

I also am off island. Is there another way I could hep? I would appreciate suggestions from any readers of this forum.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By willing 2 on Friday, April 03, 2009 - 10:35 am: Edit Post

There are several people willing to do whatever they can to help this community in any way.
We just need to get together and prioritize what needs to be done first, second etc and who can do what.
Who is good at organizing meetings? I am not ..


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Who Will Help? on Friday, April 03, 2009 - 05:11 pm: Edit Post

Willing 2, I know there are many willing people who live in TB. You probably know more of them than I do. These people are smart and they care about their community. If you are reluctant to organize a meeting, ask one of the others. Someone needs to step up to the plate or all we'll have is people talking and complaining but not doing. Some action is a lot better than wishing someone else would handle things.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Help Needed on Sunday, April 05, 2009 - 08:27 am: Edit Post

People need to organize. Going to one meeting and then complaining will not achieve anything.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Sunday, April 05, 2009 - 10:20 am: Edit Post

The first step has happened, we are discussing our needs openly.

I do not suggest that this or any internet forum can replace timely face to face group meetings. The technology has certainly come about at the right time.

So has Ms McCauly, Zed and others that have expressed their intent re sustainability, the recession that may be a depression, the local and global awakening to our possibilities as humanity-on-earth, the growing local recognition of what could be and the need to know how to go about it and the growing realisation of where we all have taken wrong turns with our assumptions of our world.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Citizens Alert Group on Sunday, April 05, 2009 - 03:05 pm: Edit Post

There will be a meeting of the Citizens Alert Group at 6pm Thursday April 9 at the Sandy Bank Primary School. Membership applications will be available and new members are urged to attend. Topics will include fund raising efforts, the grant proposal for a park and walking trail/wishing well in Great Bay, and plans for inviting Ms. McCaulay from JET to the May 14 meeting.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By in hope on Sunday, April 05, 2009 - 06:29 pm: Edit Post

I think it would be wonderful for Ms McCauley to come to these meetings, as well as her legal adviser and others from various environmental organizations in Jamaica.
We need their help NOW.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Idea on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 12:44 pm: Edit Post

Miss McCaulay has volunteered not only to come to a meeting but to spend a Saturday in Treasure Beach. She offered to show the 90-minute film, Jamaica for Sale. She also wanted to be able to inspect things more and then be able to provide useful suggestions to members of the community. Maybe you should invite her to speak at the May 14th meeting if you know she will have had an opportunity to be there on a prior Saturday to show the movie AND look around. She could then present her suggestions at that May 14th meeting.

She is off-island until the end of April, but I would imagine her office could still schedule her.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By We Need Help on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 06:48 am: Edit Post

To the Citizens Alert Group - Please contact Miss McCaulay's office to see what you can arrange. It is very important for the community.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Karen Kennedy on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 - 01:50 pm: Edit Post

Today, I received an e-mail from a group here in the U.S. that is asking for people to bring electronic items to be recycled to a central location.

I am aware that recycling is not done in Treasure Beach.

I also know most people think the main reason certain items should be recycled is because dumping them beside the road is ugly. That is certainly one important reason, but I thought it would be useful to add some information from the group that is doing the recycling.

"Many people have electronics (TVs, phones, and computer products) that they need to recycle properly, but they don’t know what to do with them so they store them away until they finally inappropriately decide to throw them away in the trash. Computers and other electronics have many dangerous chemicals and substances in them. When electronics are thrown away these chemicals go into the environment and can harm wild life and plants. Some of these materials include lead, chromium, mercury, and more. People that are exposed to these chemicals often have brain damage, kidney disease, cancer, and others."


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Citizens' Alert Group on Wednesday, April 08, 2009 - 06:02 am: Edit Post

Just a reminder, there is a meeting scheduled for 6pm Thursday April 9 at the Sandy Bank Primary School.In addition to the topics announced in a previous post, there will be a panel discussion about poverty-wealth in the community. All are urged to attend. Thank You.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Inquiring Mind on Wednesday, April 08, 2009 - 03:15 pm: Edit Post

Does anyone know - will there be updates on the "Sports Park" and seaplane business?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By hup-date please on Wednesday, April 08, 2009 - 04:41 pm: Edit Post

I too am hoping for updates on both seaplane and sports park.

Recently heard that more lignum vitae trees might be cut down at the sports park. That would be sinful, as they are precious trees for this area and should be protected. Would also like to see the architectural drawings/plans for whatever structures will be built there.

We should be planting lignum vitaes to ensure they do not disappear from here. Not cutting them down.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Thursday, April 09, 2009 - 05:45 am: Edit Post

What is the value in US$ of a young lignum vitae tree, say about 200 years old?

This form of the valuation of aspects of Mother Nature was considered two decades ago by my auditors. It was shelved but is being reconsidered in other quarters.

I would be happy to supply suckers for the replanting of the bare field given sufficient notice. I'll throw in some West Indian Ebony to boost the $ value even more.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Looking For Info on Sunday, April 12, 2009 - 10:19 am: Edit Post

Would somene be so kind to tell us what was discussed at the April 9 meeting of the Citizens Alert Group. Thank you.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bird Lover on Sunday, April 12, 2009 - 06:17 pm: Edit Post

For the record, the lignum vitae is a protected tree in JA. and it is against the law to cut them down - just like it unlawful to kill a crocodile or and endangered bird. I spoke to an avid birder friend over the weekend who tells me that there are several endangered species in the pond - Caribbean Coot being one. That pond is considered a IBA - in the world of bird watchers - Important Bird Area. There are several important and/or endangered species that live there - NO SEA PLANES!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sad for T/B on Monday, April 13, 2009 - 07:01 am: Edit Post

People clearing land for the Sports Park have ALREADY cut down some lignum vitae. Even though this was presumably by accident, it seems to indicate these people were poorly supervised and were oblivious of the law. A sad start for something that professes to be good for the community.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Looking for Info on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 - 10:23 am: Edit Post

Excuse me for being a bother. I would TRULY like to know what happened at that April 9 meeting. I would have attended but I don't live in Treasure Beach. Thank you for your help.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rae on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 - 05:33 pm: Edit Post

I would like to know too. Some one must have attended the meeting and hopefully has five minutes to say what was discussed.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Simon Burgess on Thursday, April 16, 2009 - 06:46 am: Edit Post

Me too. PLEASE.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jamaica for Sale on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 01:07 pm: Edit Post

Is there any chance we will get to see the film Jamaica for Sale in Treasure Beach? From what I have heard, it is something that everyone who is interested in keeping TB the treasure we now possess should definitely see.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By i care 2 on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 06:42 pm: Edit Post

Yes it is possible that some of the JET team (Diana McCauley etc) will come to TB in early June to show the film Jamaica For Sale.
So watch out for it .. think its important for us all to see it and absorb what NOT to do.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jamaica for Sale on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 06:59 pm: Edit Post

Any chance this could be shown at Calabash? The audience would welcome such an opportunity.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By info on meeting on Thursday, April 30, 2009 - 06:01 am: Edit Post

For those who want to know something about the meeting, look at the first posting here .. which Is Jason Henzells speech about the "float" plane.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Looking for Info on Thursday, April 30, 2009 - 12:40 pm: Edit Post

What was discussed at the MARCH 2 meeting was the float plane. What I am trying to learn about is what was discussed at the NEXT meeting on APRIL 9.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By An Observation on Monday, May 04, 2009 - 04:56 pm: Edit Post

From Mr. Henzell's March 2, 2009 speech: I employ 150 persons, who proudly call ourselves the Jakes family.

From their recent press release on winning the hospitality award: Jake’s is a growing company and employs 114 staff in the Hotel, Restaurants, Villas and Spa.

Three dozen people were lost.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Monday, May 04, 2009 - 07:02 pm: Edit Post

That number is for just the hotel part of the business. That number did not take in the villas, construction team, etc.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By An Observation on Tuesday, May 05, 2009 - 01:36 pm: Edit Post

To the contrary Rebecca, Mr. Henzell DID include villas in his speech on record in this string. In the March 2 meeting, he also added the 150 figure did NOT include those engaged in the construction business. So I still beg to differ.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Tuesday, May 05, 2009 - 10:15 pm: Edit Post

I stand corrected. Or maybe the numbers grew since the application forms were passed in for the competition. I believe the forms were supposed to be submitted by early December


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By skeptical on Wednesday, May 06, 2009 - 08:14 pm: Edit Post

Is it possible that Mr. Henzell is trying to make a point? As a regular guest to the area this number seems wildly inflated.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A Thought on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 10:19 am: Edit Post

I agree the figures - whether 114 or 150 - seem wildly inflated. The numbers might include part time and seasonal employees. Someone could be counted as an employee even if they worked one day a week. My feeling is Mr. Henzell is trying to make the point that his companies employ more people than any other in TB. That is most certainly a fact - no matter what the number is. Being the largest employer in an area gives one more leverage.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Observation on Friday, May 08, 2009 - 07:58 am: Edit Post

To cut down protected lignum vitae trees it seems.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By be gratefull on Friday, May 08, 2009 - 06:24 pm: Edit Post

Lets face it. Mr Henzell (Jake) as some call him is a God sent to our community. If he employ 100 or 12 he is still putting food on peoples table and helping to send their children to school.

Give thanks for his presence because he is an asset to the area.
Why are people so blind to progress.

I have come to realize that some "not all" resident of TB are very ungrateful.

He try to do good you critisize .If he sit on his behind and do nothing you pass judgment.

STOP IT ALREADY>


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Friday, May 08, 2009 - 09:38 pm: Edit Post

So nothing he does should be examined?

I have not heard any of Jason's good deeds criticised here. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Is there anyone in Jamaica who should not be discussed by anyone else?

I agree biased or mischeivous 'judgements' are evil. These I have not heard in this case.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Do it fairly on Saturday, May 09, 2009 - 10:48 am: Edit Post

I feel Turey is correct. Mr. Henzell employs dozens of people and that is a good thing. He also does many other good deeds in the community. Those things make him very valuable to the community.

Other people in the community also employ many people. Others do good deeds though they may not employ anyone. Others employ people AND do good deeds.

Employing people and doing good deeds do not protect anyone, including Mr. Henzell, from being fairly criticised. The more public a figure someone is, the more open to public scrutiny they are. That extends all the way up to our PM.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By 4 the environment on Saturday, May 09, 2009 - 05:01 pm: Edit Post

Some of the most powerful people in the world employ thousands of people, perhaps more than 100,000 people. Does that mean we should not say something if we feel they have done something incorrect?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By granny on Saturday, May 09, 2009 - 08:41 pm: Edit Post

I have known Jason and his family for almost 15 years...I have seen him carry people to the hospital when no one else was around........pay for a child to go to school because their family could not......give a person who worked for him so faithfully a car to get back and forth to home.........give food, money and a place to sleep to someone. I've seen him cry at funerals, sing at church and be a loving father and a great friend. Perhaps you all should get together and have an informal meeting with him..tell each other your concerns.......we certainly don't want TB to be another Negril...or a sample in the States.......Gatlinburg, Tenn..........so beautiful so many years ago, unspoiled wonderful mountain town - now full of red lights, tattoo parlors and junky hotels....PLEASE all think of TB...keep the Treasure in Treasure Beach.....


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Give me a break on Saturday, May 09, 2009 - 12:45 pm: Edit Post

We employ a few people. We help put food on their table and help send their children to school. If we did something others felt was harmful or wrong or illegal, we would not be excused because we are an employer. Give me a break.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rumour or Not? on Thursday, June 18, 2009 - 01:25 pm: Edit Post

Is the seaplane venture back on? Heard a rumour it was. If so, any details would be appreciated.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By friend on Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 08:59 am: Edit Post

i herd dock being build near jakes for this not in great pond


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rumour or Not? on Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 02:40 pm: Edit Post

Thank you Friend. Can you possibly provide any facts?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Worried on Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 10:57 am: Edit Post

I hope everyone involved knows that there are serious things required when anything is built on the sea - an Environmental Impact Statement, licenses and other NEPA approvals. If anyone knows this is going ot happen they should contact the appropriate authorities. If this is true it is very upsetting - It appears the community opinion is not conseidered by this party. is this what will happen with the sport complex.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Olympic Noise on Monday, March 08, 2010 - 07:11 pm: Edit Post

If you watched the winter Olympics from Vancouver I imagine you heard the noise of the float planes taking off and landing. Some of the announcers had to pause in the middle of a sentence because they were being drowned out by the sound of the engines. It made me wonder how vacationers and residents could have tolerated this kind of disturbance in Treasure Beach.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vancouver vs. Treasure Beach on Tuesday, March 09, 2010 - 05:40 pm: Edit Post

Those were Harbour Air's DeHavillands and Cessnas. Admittedly quite noisy. Likely to startle and disturb a high percent of people in Treasure Beach. Downtown Vancouver is accustomed to them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Comparison on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 05:29 pm: Edit Post

I love the comparison: downtown Vancouver to downtown Treasure Beach. Kind of a different atmosphere.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vancouver Float Planes on Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 04:23 pm: Edit Post

http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/things_to_do/float_planes