I heard some good news from a friend of mine in Great Bay.An air stip is coming soon to Treasure Beach.

muss a lie me hope

No lie. airstrip soon come teasure beach.

Good news?

an air strip, for planes? why?

Heard Jason Henzell purchased land going up toward Beacon for an air strip. Heard this is a substitute for the seaplane idea on the Great Pond.

any proof to this info before we start another episode again. Please lets get all the facts.

If there is suitable land to do this what would be the problem.
I will answer my own question right her right now.
How much would it cost to fly to TB and how big a plane will it be seeing that some of the suit cases are bigger that some of the planes under belly.
Then there are passengers to load also.
Forget about it.

does jamaica have an effective zoning laws? i dont see any where in that whole area that would fit for an airstrip. if that is true. that is craziness.

aboslutely nothing good about this in my opinion..

As Jason has not announced anything of the sort, I think it fair to see what he says before commenting on second hand info.

The locating of an airport of any size can only be done with the consent of the affected communities and following the laws of Jamaica.

To plan this covertly would be insulting to residents and another step away from the Democracy we are trying so hard to implement nationally and the community co-operation we aspire to locally in TB and beyond.

As Jason has decided not to post here, maybe he can find another medium to let us know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

This could very well become a private airstrip not meant for any commercial flights, only for the personal convenience of its owner. If so, does it matter who owns it or even if it exists?

Turey, with alldue respect, I would not hold me breath waiting for what xxxxx says. History says there will be no response.

To Why Care, there are so many reasons why we should care that I wouldn't attempt to list them all. I'll just give you one: Air space is never private property to be used "only for the personal convenience of its owner". It is always part of a wider community with a myriad of cause and effects.

I keep hopeful Bob but see what history suggests.

If a private unscheduled aircraft is going to land somewhere I don't think there are laws that govern it. We see helicopters landing in Treasure Beach and they land on private property. Why would this be any different? If one person wants to buy some land to use for his or her occasional convenience to land a small private aircraft I think this is allowed. I am not saying if I like the idea but there are a lot of things that happen I don't like and I can't stop them if they are legal.

I think it is a good idea. it is about two hours drive
from mb to tb,it's like starting your flight all over again. think about it people. I welcome the idea.

I know a lot of Jamaican laws are outdated and backwards. But if their are no laws for zoning and if anyone can just build an airstrip any where they please and fly in an aircraft in and out as they please then i don't know what to say.

For any that want to read through:

http://www.jcaa.gov.jm/CIVIL%20AVIATION%20REGULATIONS.pdf

From: http://www.jcaa.gov.jm/ActsRegs.htm

I believe the conditions for operation of an aircraft within Jamaican airspace and on land are covered here.

History says there will be no response from the person who is reported to have purchased this land for an airstrip. If people know something they should report it here because that's the ONLY way we'll find out before it's a done deal and we look up to see a plane coming in for landing. So whose property is this alledged purchase near?

Being Practical - I have to agree with you. I don't see the problem, however, a commercial airport is something else entirely. Incidentally, anyone remember the 70's? The Island was covered with covert airstrips (and crashed aircraft). For what purpose? The illegal export of ganja to the US! From the top of Spur Tree the observant could spot at least four strips!

Perhaps Ja is different, but in the US there are strict laws governing flight schedules and patterns. Where there are no such rules, the strong possibilities for chaos and tragedy exists. Some of us may be aware of the recent accident in New York wbetween an airplane and a helicopter. It turned out that there are no particular laws regulating such flights in and around the city. Is that we want for TB?

I think I will go the old route, which is by car or van.

Thanks, Mr. Uncle Peter, the possibilities of the area being taken over by the drug trade is the reality that stares me straight up, I look past the legitimately derived economic benefits.. for a handful. The tree farmers would do well too!

Turey, that document is 139 pages long. Would you be so kind as to quote what you feel are the most pertinent portions to what we may be facing. Also, I was under the impression this would be a private airstrip for the use of a few people for unscheduled flights. I didn't think this might be used for commercial purposes. If so, well here we go again.

Robert (Wint),
I'd advise you to think seriously before you make assertions like the one you made above:
"I know a lot of Jamaican laws are outdated and backwards."

Perhaps you should research some of the old laws that are still "on the books" in some of the countries that so many look up to as examples of enlightenment:
- Like these: http://sneakykitchen.com/Humor/old_laws.htm

Most of these might be merely funny but there are actually many that offend human sensibilities and dignity and others that retard progress in many ways.

Such "backwardness" is certainly not confined to Jamaica!

It is long yes Being Practical.

The first thing the length tells me is that operating an aircraft in Jamaican airspace is also a long process involving many desks after yu done at the Winchester Road office in town. I can't find references to private airstrips apart from a law allowing their destruction.

I'm not sure if an Aerodrome is anywhere an airplane lands ie: private airstrips too. At the point of landing I believe there have to be certain procedures followed before it can take off again. Papers, records.

Any pilots to help with info?

I've always prefered plodding through rules and regulations in support of Livity to holding up signs and shouting slogans in the hot sun. Worst; mumbling on varandahs.

Any other plodders plodded through?

Somewhere in there are the rules for the size of balloons and the allowed weight of model planes. Ultralights too. If the fabled Greys, Reptillians or others do turn up in their anti grav craft, the paper work will certainly prove their mettle.

It could be that there are some in such a rush that acoustic insult, possible damage/injury, stress, hydrocarbon burning/atmospheric pollution etc is not counted.

There is one word that describes this denial. Many trimble at it's existence some and are striving to keep it silent:



EXTERNALITIES.

The missing factors in the valuation of assets and liabilities.

What is the cost to 'Miss Ivy' when her blood pressure goes up and stress level increases when plane tek off? And her dog and puss dem too!

How much arable soil is lost to the runway, buildings and fuel/oil spillage? etc.

The same for me when I drive my car. The invisible costs are not included in our current accounting systems.

The oxygen and water cycle enrichment of trees and plants.

Etc.

Political and financial decisions are thus often based on incomplete data.

The missing externalities.

Global Value......Staggering.

Local value. Time to take them into account.

First of all there are plans in the works to have an airstrip created up in the Bacon area. Members of Jamaica's Civil Aviation have been down and looked at the proposed site to determine whether or not it is suitable. They study wind patterns and other safety issues for at least one year before they give the go ahead. The plan is for small commercial aircraft (4 - 8 seaters) to land for the purpose of transporting people (not just visitors) to Treasure Beach. At the moment there are no plans for scheduled flights but interested parties will be able to charter small aircraft out of Montego Bay and Kingston. I was vehemently opposed to landing planes on the pond but I do not think there is anything wrong with this.
Secondly, why does Jason have to explain his every move to every person. There are other people in Treasure Beach opening businesses and doing other things in Treasure Beach that impact people and they are not subjected to this type of scrutiny. Jason and I have been on opposite sides of the fence on many issues but this is getting ridiculous.

@ Think

I did "think" seriously about what i said and it made me mad cuz it is a fact, sadly.

I don't know every laws of every country, but the ones i do know and the ones that do come to light in the "countries that so many look up to as examples of enlightenment", need to catch me on another discussion board and blog that talks about those issues. I be wreaking havoc on them.

Unfortunately that same freedom is not extended here on tb.net so i got to keep it simple.

I was definitely not saying it was confined to JA. The issue at hand is taking place their so, I cant speak on anywhere else on this issue.

So at the end of the day , I do agree with you on the "confinement" aspect.

I am very pro JA, but that does not mean I am gonna be overly sensitive and not say it as it is.

Peace.

Thanks for the information, Plane. Exactly where is this proposed landing strip? Is it in a residential area? I am not saying I am against it.

And, where is Bacon?

The creation of a landing strip is a bit more than opening a bar, restaurant or hardware shop Plane.

It does not matter who is planning this, simple manners suggests that this project should be announced to those in surrounding communities and to all affected. I do not know what the planning permissions are and if surrounding owners need give consent under law.

I see no reason for any secrecy. This goes against the spirit of community co-operation and openess. If this is still one of the guiding principals in TB.

I am neither for or against this project, but would like to see the plans. The Civil Aviation people judge the appropriateness of the location for the operation of aircraft of certain sizes. The body does not evaluate all the EXTERNALITIES. As far as I know.

If anyone suggests that this project should not be commented on or the plans be made known to the greater public, I'd like to hear the reasons why.

In this world "money talk" and everything else really does not matter.(but more so in JA) so at the end of the day we can talk until we turn blue. this airstrip is gonna happen if who they says is behind it is really behind it.

people need to stop selling out their lands/prpoteries and save it for their grand childrens and great grand childrens. then stuff like this will not be happening.

I agree with you 100% mr.Wint.I left school,went away for a better oppertunity.Save my money and want to live in my birthright place.I can't buy land to build,cause no one is willing to sell to me.I've been looking for years.Everytime someone tell me price it's in US dollars.I ask how much Jamaican dollars is that after all i'm in Jamaica.They think i'm not serious..I honestly believe most people in Treasure beach will even sell the home they live in to foreigners,as long as they are spending a different currency from Jamaican.The tradition is long broken,nothing more about "inheritance"If you can't flash foreign currency;;DOGG NYAM U SUPPA.Either way a good canadian friend of mine bought land in TB and hes kind enough to GIVE me a piece legally..I now have a home in TB..Thanks my friend...

Turey, Bacon (Beacon) is just up the hill from TB. It's about a mile west from the Pedro Plains Police station.

Thanks Do Care, was just making sure.

And what do you think Mrs. McCauley and JET have to say about this project? Historically, airports are very polluting operations - right up there with golf courses. This is going to completely change everything about the little laid back fishing village - NO MORE!

This was a main item on the JA news when I was there last week. Jason with the JA Tourist Board and how to bring some business to TB. Most people I spoke to thought it was still about the sea plane and not a solid landing strip.

Nothing wrong with an air-strip if done and maintained CORRECTLY. Treasure Beach is part of a wider community. This could not only bring more $ to the area, but would make commute so much easier for us ex-pats who would like quicker travel to and fro. I think we should be more open minded and consider all possibilities when it comes to bringing our into the modern era. I say have at it, but do it right.

I hesitate to ask questions or someone will accuse me of being anti-BREDS or anti-Jason (which I am not). Does someone know if we are talking about small regular planes or seaplanes or both? I looked in the Gleaner and can find nothing.

I second that do care

From what I understand this proposed air strip would be a replica facility to the ones presently in Negril, St. Ann, Kingston and St. Mary.
It would not accommodate commercial jets, or scheduled regular flights, just single or small twin engines planes.
It would be used to taxi people between the other landing destinations on the island , site seeing or in the case of a medical emergency.
I think people are concerned that the proposed air strip would not see regular commercial jets like MoBay or Kingston.
If contacted maybe the local MP could shade some light on the matter.
I for one welcome this project, I could return home to TB and fly for them, oppose to doing it now in the cold.

Interesting comment Home Sick, but I would be disappointed if what you're saying is true. Of course I'm not expecting a jumbo jet runway but neither do I want something that's only for private use. A runway for small commuter fights from the major airports would be great.

I was very much against the Great Pond plane but I welcome the Beacon Airstrip. And lift my hat to Mr Henzel for this great idea.
Going or coming from Mobay nowadays will take at least 2 1/2 hours. This I use to do in 1 1/4 hours.
Bad roads and traffic jam and crazy drivers is the cause. If I am coming in instead of putting family
member/s in danger of all those road hazards, to come and get me I would very much like to change
plane and land two miles from my home. Go for it
Jason I am with you on this one.

JET is not in principle against air strips. As many people have pointed out - there are health, social and environmental impacts, so they have to be done properly. The most important issue is siting them correctly. I don't know Beacon, so I can't say whether that is a good site or not. Civil Aviation will consider aviation-related risks - winds, proximity of houses, and probably the question of drugs, although I am not sure about the latter.

I do, however, think that there should be public consultation about any kind of air strip. This is a generally accepted part of modern good governance. Secrecy just leads to rumours and bad feelings and division.

Diana from JET

Agree with JET. Am not against airstrips either so long as they are done correctly and do not adversely affect the surroundings, present a safety hazard or disturb others. Am against secrecy. Agree secrecy leads to unnecessary rumors and division within the community.

OMG. I am imagining someone going from TB to MoBay in an hour an 15 minutes, even assuming there is zero traffic. It scares me. Bowl, I don't know who you are but you must be one amazing driver, and I think there might have been an angel riding along with you.

Mobay is only 73 miles from TB so I only have to
drive about 60 mph and I am talking about 25/3o
years ago. Very little traffic.It was fun back then.
And by the way I make it a habit to have an angel
riding with me on condition of no wings and no pants.

this are the drivers,hanging later in the bushes.like traffic in TB-with absolutely crazy and dangerous taxidrivers,the air is better controlled than the land,sometimes i wish to go by air,because the drive to kingston or mobay takes to much out of me,with all the horrible drivers on the road,see the death statistic,see the daily crashes killing hundreds of people,you are all blind?Nobody is writing over this-why- they cannot fly,so they use the road.

Not to deviate from the topic at hand, but Bowl is right. We use to make that trip to MoBay in under two hours, the trip to Browns Town in about two and a half, granted it was early morning driving so the only thing you had to keep an eye out for were cows, donkeys or a truck park in a blind corner. Yes back then we did drive hard; but not crazy or disregard your life like some of these young people doing today.
Yep; the good ole days.

wonder what a flight will cost and how much bags you could take

There is International Airlink located in MoBay but they don't seem to be flying after a safety incident. They also gave up their Web address (domain name) so it sounds like they could be out of business. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_AirLink. Air Jamaica Express appears to have halted its local flights. TimAir operates has regular domestic air shuttle service, charter flights, and sightseeing tours; they need to be contacted for prices.

There used to be a commuter strip in Clarendon (Tinson Pen I think). Is it still in operation? I believe something like that would be ideal.

From the Jamaica Observer 28 January 2008:

Airlink raps claims of frequent breakdowns
Confirms near mishap with two gov't ministers aboard

BY DESMOND ALLEN Executive Editor - Operations allend@jamaicaobserver.com
Monday, January 28, 2008

INTERNATIONAL Airlink, the domestic airline which had a near mishap shortly after take-off with two Government ministers on board last Thursday, on Saturday rubbished claims that the service was hobbled by frequent breakdowns.

"International Airlink has maintained a strong, wholesome maintenance and safety record during our nearly nine years of operation," Managing Director and CEO Captain Howard Levy said in a statement prompted by an Observer report on the near accident over St Catherine.

"We have always been praised by local and overseas airline agencies for our sterling record. We also maintain a strong record of training pilots to a high standard of excellence, and several have gone on to secure jobs with airlines all over the world, including our own Air Jamaica," Levy insisted.

But Levy's statement substantially confirmed the Observer story that the 5:30 pm Kingston to Montego Bay flight developed engine trouble after take-off and was forced to glide back to the Tinson Pen aerodrome in Kingston.

Water and Housing Minister Horace Chang and junior minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Daryl Vaz, were among the passengers on the flight.

Levy said the single engine Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft partially lost power within minutes of taking off from Tinson Pen, with nine passengers, and two pilots.

"The plane took off at approximately 5:47 pm, and at around 4,500 feet up, in the region over the Sligoville area, close to Spanish Town, the pilot, Captain Kevin Guyah, 28, heard a 'bang' and immediately partial power was lost. When this happened, it called for the procedure of the pilot shutting down the engine.

"The plane was in the gliding range vicinity of the Tinson Pen aerodrome, about seven miles from the landing strip, and roughly three minutes after taking off. Captain Guyah turned around the aircraft and glided back to Tinson Pen for a safe, incident free landing," said Levy.

"No one was hurt. The entire incident lasted for only about four minutes," he said.

Preliminary investigation showed that the incident was caused by the failure of a turbine blade in the engine, and Levy said a team of technicians from the manufacturers, Pratt & Whitney, was due in Jamaica soon to investigate the incident and repair the aircraft.

Levy commended "the superb efforts displayed on Thursday by Captain Guyah, his co-pilot, John Hall, and our ground staff at Tinson Pen, for their magnificent effort to ensure the safety and convenience of our passengers".

He added that the carrier's daily Montego Bay to Kingston schedule would not be compromised by Thursday's incident which had grounded the aircraft.

"Our Beech 1900 twin turbine airliner aircraft will be coming on stream very shortly. Additionally, International Airlink Limited is in the process of taking possession of the first of three additional aircraft; including two Shorts 360 commuter airliners, each with a cabin class of 36 passengers, and another Beech 1900 craft," he disclosed.

Do Care;
I think you are referring to Vernamfield airfield (Timson Pen is located in downtown Kingston) Not sue, but I think the Jamaican Government disable Vernamfield due to its illicit use by unscrupulous individuals.

Thank you for the reminder Home Sick. The memory cells don't seem to be firing on all cylinders. Seems like we have our own Capt. Sully as evidenced by the above post!

Too bad we all can't build an airstrip or buy/lease an aircraft so everyone can still eat food.

I just feel sorry for the taxi/bus owners who use to get hired to transport passengers to and from Montego Bay and else where.

I guess more families will be hungry and more kids will not be bale to go to school.

Impact on taxi owners will be nil. The tourists who use route taxis cannot afford to fly to Treasure Beach.

Impact on bus owners will be minimal. These planes are expensive and hold little luggage. They are more for a business person needing to get to and fro very quickly. They will also appeal to those interested in making an impression on others. Neither of these kinds of people is seen much in this area.

WHY would we want to cater to the business person - and at the risk of an entire community being subjected to the annoying sounds of aircraft and all that comes with it.

I mean, what business people would these be that must get to TB in such a hurry???

I had thought it was to accommodate the visitors to the island in getting to TB, NOT impatient business men.

Seems like the sleepy laid-back TB will be changing soon.
Pity. As that is why people come here.

Sometimes many are inconvenienced or subject to annoyance to please the whims of a few.

The Golden Rule: He who has the gold makes the rules.

I always looked forward to stopping at Cash Plus, the little rum bars for a nature's call, seeing Peter Tosh's final resting place, maybe a peppa swimp, fry fish 'n bammy or even a jerk stop, stopping at a cambio in Black River and the changes in scenery on the trip down and a reflection on what you are leaving on the way back. All those little things would be lost if you left one plane and immediately boarded another. Like staying at an All Inclusive, the wealthy traveler to TB wouldn't have to experience any of that.

Maybe someone is not interested in the scenery or stopping at a cambio or stopping along the way for something to eat. Maybe all they care about is getting to and fro--quick, quick, quick. Those people are entitled to feel like they do. What they should not be entitled to do is to disrupt an entire community because of their impatience. Yes, they will take an hour or so off their commute, and they will pay substantial money for this privilege. What has not seemed to be considered is the inconvenience they will cause to hundreds of others because of the noise. They have not considered the pollution that will result.

Then again, the well-to-do often do not seem to care about the impact their actions have upon others. I believe this is quite inconsiderate.

Time is money!

Or. In the begining was money, money was their god and God laughed. With thanks to John 1:1 for the inspiration.

Dem cyan mek duns but dem cyaan mek time.

Tek time yah.

I wonder how much more easily some lots in TB can be sold to the wealthy if they believe they will not have to be bothered by commuting to their vacation homes.

This is starting to remind me of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. People seem to forget this is the south coast of Jamaica, not the south of France. But much of the sentiment behind having an air strip is similar. There are people who have a great deal of money and are willing to pay exorbitant prices to avoid having to "suffer" the perceived troubles of getting to Treasure Beach in a motor vehicle. If they bother the common man with their private aircraft is of no concern to them.

Am not even there but this air strip thing is getting me upset. This does not seem to be a necessary addition to Treasure Beach.

"Out of Many One People" applies to economic status as well. Do we automatically have to dislike someone because they are more wealthy than us? Isn't it good to have the boost come to TB bringing construction jobs and other types of employment to the area? Wouldn't we rather a few luxury homes vs. a 1000 room Spanish Resort as our neighbors? I think we all need to take in a deep breath and breath out a bit more tolerance.

There is nothing wrong with being either wealthy or poor. What is wrong is the feeling of any entitlement that comes with a particular economic status. I find it as distasteful for the poor to constantly complain about their status as for the rich to assume they can have whatever the want because they can afford it.

I agree a few luxury homes are far more appropriate for this area than a huge all-inclusive. On the other hand, I would NOT assume that a few luxury homes will bring more employment to the area than a 1000 room resort.

I agree with Out of Many.

It would not be their wealth that should give question. If their spirit tek to the community and the community tek to them is crucial. Money can only buy so much, esp among proud smaddy.

A friend born in old time bush just advised me that a newcomer should not be too boasty, too smart or too rich. He explained that it was not the bank balance but the vulgarity of flashing wealth.

An airconditioned bus with fridge, good sounds etc and a leisurly drive with the good stops could be an unforgettable part of their experience. If they are planning long term, might as well start meeting the people eh.

The noise and rush business involved in winging it in, is out of synch with the rhythm we care for and protect.

An air strip can be made into an airport. There are now planning regulations or development orders to prevent this, neither a 400 room hotel at Old Wharf and a 1,500 room all-inclusive at Back Seaside, complete with marina and golf course. It all comes together.

I do not understand the comment provided by It`All Comes Together. Would you be kind enough to explain your meaning.

Should read: There are NO planning regulations or development orders to prevent this,....

Thank you for clarifying. You present some scary prospects.

[edited by TB.Net]

NO PLANNING REGULATIONS OR DEVELOPMENT ORDERS TO PREVENT OUR BELOVED TREASURE BEACH FROM BEING RUINED.

GOD HELP US ALL.

Nothing against religion but if we wait for God to help us it may be too late. God helps those who help themselves.

Any development on the air strip ,is this project still in the making .

Have heard nothing but I would imagine the project is still in the making. The sea plane still flies along TB's coast occasionally, startling all.

People are talking about the float plane service which I do not see happening. Meanwhile why is no one talking about the air strip which people think WILL happen.

The Float Plane/Sea Plane will NOT be happening. Good thing since the pond is only about a foot deep at the moment.

Why does the float plane occasionally buzz by? Where does it go? Where does it start from?

It's housed in Black River. Who knows where it's going to these days.

Sorry, I should be more specific. It's housed in Parotee.

This means it can also start from dry land or does it have to be hauled to water like a boat on a trailer?

I don't know the specifications of the plane but from what I understand it can take off from land.