And how many other plans are laying on shelves?

Most importantly, who reads them?

See TB in the text and facilities listed at the end.

http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:34dlQuat1OoJ:www.tpdco.org/dynaweb.dti%3Fdy namodule%3Ddocument_library%26dynapage%3Ddownload_document%26no_template%3D1%26i d%3D32%26dynawebSID%3D6d8+airstrip+%22treasure+beach%22&cd=41&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=c a

you will need a week to study this-but i found it very interesting-so far-the development from TB is already going on-without a plan-more and more buildings going up-coastal and inland-for now we are very happy that nobody steps over the limit-as an architect i can only hope that something nice is being built-special on the coastline-the problem will be soon-water-roads-garbage-electric- sewer-hope no crime!!!but we have to do something we do need an area building concept very soon-Treasure Beach is still a gem-if we do not overbuilt it-we will be a gem for the next one hundert years-for sure

A very good question Turey - It was a lengthy read, but I just muddled through the jargon and somewhat awkward grammar.

One thing that I noticed straight away was that there were no studies or surveys that were dated more recently that 1996-1998 - on that principle alone, I would think that this document would need to be re-done to reflect the changes in both thought and tourism. I mean let's face it - A LOT has changed in how and where people travel in the last 15 - 20 years. Budgets have changed, lifestyles have changed, and general "wants" out of vacations and time off have changed.

For example, the "Visitor's Survey" - 2.7.6 in this report was completed in 1998. I started planning my life and living on a more permanent basis in Treasure Beach at that time. I saw a lot of different people come from a lot of different areas for many different reasons. It is hard to pinpoint if there will ever be a trend in how and why people travel to different places in the world, but what I can say with certainty, is that the treasure Beach area brings people that want to hike around independently, support local business (like fisherman run boat tours up the coast to Floyd's Pelican Bar or Black River or the other was to Alligator Pond or Sunny island). These visitors are also the type who are extremely glad to not only have reliable transport like that given by Treasure Tours or some of the guesthouse drivers - but during the 2 - 3 hour transport from the airport to their accomodation, they have have a knowlegeable driver/operator who takes the time to point out places and areas of interest along the way...this is not cumbersome transport - this is almost a free tour after paying for airport transfers. Visitors get a first hand look at the potential for places of interest (to them) to visit while in the Southwest area. This is a much friendlier mode of transport that an airstrip that quickly transplants a visitor from airport to destination with no knowledge of the landscape or places in between. I could also say, that I was pleasantly suprised to see that the railway redevelopment was back on the table as another way to "see" the countryside and also have a scheduled amount of time between centers or cities. that being said, in the amount of time since I have been visiting Jamaica (almost 16 years) - this has always been "talked about", but never actioned. Again, this would be a much more environmentally, fuel efficient mode of travel throughout the island. I have travelled throughout Cuba for over 20 years - end to end, and one of the best ways to "see" the island is by train. It can be a fast, safe, reliable way to get to both busy and more remote centers.

Their area regarding "Community Development" (section 3.2.6)was very interesting. they say all the right things: "If community tourism is to be successful it will also be important to encourage widespread community participation in the development process. and "The farming and fishing community need special attention because development in some areas may affect their traditional sources of income and life styles. Issues such as these take a long time to be ventilated and assimilated. Every effort must be made to build in the time necessary for gaining and maintaining the trust of the community"...with regards to items on the community agenda as of late (the canal, the sports park, the potential of an air landing strip) - members of the community both local and foreign have made significant cases for the positive and negative impact of these items and not been heard or responded to in a polite or timely manner. I think at a certain point "the community" gets tired of being asked for input and then when they offer it, it is the more affluent memebers that are "heard" and those who do not hold any notable stature have their input swept under the carpet so-to-speak. and second to that, with regards to community development, they should underline their section 3.1.5 - "Loss of Wildlife", because I think that a lot of the community is rallying for that cause in particular - "Valuable habitats are being lost through inappropriate development, through pollution and through neglect. Rare and endangered species are coming under increasing threats and pressures. These trends must be reversed if wildlife resources and biodiversity are to be retained for future generations and the area is to be promoted as a nature/heritage based destination."

I could go on and on with regards to this report - it lenghty and like you said turey - it has obviously been "shelved" too long. Sheesh, the Tour Operator survey was dated "the early 1990's" (section 2.7.1) - I'll bet if you asked Rebecca or any of her drivers - they could comment on what has changed in the last 20 years...they have developed their own unique style of tours and transport throughout the southwest area, and those operators along with other drivers from other accomodations in the Treasure Beach area cater specifically to what the consumer identifies as the type of holiday they want. if they cannot accomodate those needs, they point to others in the community that can fulfil those visitor's needs. Now to me, that is successful, sustained, community based tourism. Listen to the specific consumer, pool local resources to meet the need of that consumer, and have the tourist dollar spread throughout the greater community.

Yes Coralie and Axel, there is much good info here. Maybe we the people (where have I heard that before?) will start to make use of these bits of data that were payed for by us.

There was a study done by a German friend. He found where many/most? of the underground rivers here started and emptied. Where is it? It includes a mapping of our 'Blue Holes'.

There was a 19th C study on the economic trees of Jamaica. "Wi nuh noh weh it de sah!?"

Etc, etc.

Time for this and other foolishness DONE! Unless we want to continue to be a laughing stock in many quarters. I know, I drank, dined and listened in said quarters: "They are fun, dre$$ well and smile much. Not much action though". I will not go into narrow mindedness, hypocricy, ginnalship and bandooly this round.

It done for me at least. To know there are fellow travellers on this road is encouraging.

Ahhh, good. That was my rant for this weekend. Gotta blow it off you know. Hot air and all.

Thing is with all our little ways, private and public sector, Jamaica still has the possibility of becoming treated as she deserves.

Land We Love!