Font Hill and the Fiesta Group

Treasure Beach Forum: TB Runnin's: Font Hill and the Fiesta Group
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Diana McCaulay on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 09:00 am: Edit Post

The future of the south coast is going to be decided very soon. I didn't see the actual TV story myself, but it has been reported to me that CVM carried a story last night of Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett, landing at Font Hill with investors from the Fiesta group. The talk was of an enormous hotel project - 3,000 rooms, golf course, airport. I will try to find out more, but it is my understanding that a South Coast Sustainable Development Plan WAS done, and this is not at all in keeping with the plan.

Remember my almost first post - Treasure Beach on the edge? Something like that?

Diana from JET


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kory on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 08:55 am: Edit Post

With all due respect to development, Jamaica already has more hotels rooms than guest arrivals by about 50 % , remember when these Spanish AI’s get slow they drop their rates to 70.00 USD per night per person, Small hotels cannot compete with that at all, We will no longer have a niche market, the specialness of the South Coast will be gone, not to mention the interruption of the eco system, where will these crocodiles go now, where will the turtles nest now ? All these plans and not even a meeting with South Coast Stakeholders, who have been bringing in guests for years and years, We got the guests to come to Jamaica , showed them a great time and a great area, all to be taken away by Spanish investors, who can still make a profit at 70.00 a night.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 08:54 am: Edit Post

Jamaica For Sale, and Sale, and Sale . . .

and we the citizens, do we have any say at all in this?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob marley on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 12:20 pm: Edit Post

get up, stand up.... stand up for your rights...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 02:25 pm: Edit Post

The following was just sent to me in an email.

Below is a depressing link and a few comments on Font Hill from Peter Marra, of the Smithsonian Institution…

I was just made aware of some horrible news (see link below). The Font Hill Nature Reserve on the south coast of Jamaica is being sold by the Jamaican Government to a Spanish Hotelier.

For those of you who don’t know Font Hill, it contains remarkable pristine habitats including Black Mangrove Forests, scrub and beaches. It should be a world Natural Heritage site! It also has a spectacular population of endemic Jamaica species, as well as Crocodiles, Whistling Ducks and large populations of various migratory birds. It has also hosted a large and productive research program for US and Jamaican scientists for the last 25 years that has resulted in over 100 scientific publications on the non-breeding ecology of migratory birds as well as several papers on Jamaican habitats and other wildlife. The research on the winter ecology of migrant birds has no parallel anywhere in the world.

We need your help in developing a strategy to try and combat the destruction of yet another gem in the Caribbean.

Please contact me with ideas on how best to proceed.

Pete Marra
Font Hill Property to be divested

Release Date:
Monday, April 26, 2010
MANDEVILLE, (JIS):
Monday, April 26, 2010


Minister of Mining and Energy, Hon. James Robertson, has announced that the Government will be divesting the Font Hill property in St. Elizabeth to facilitate development.

Minister Robertson spoke with JIS News while touring a section of the 3,000- acre property in Crawford, in the parish on Friday (April 23), accompanied by Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Member of Parliament for South West St. Elizabeth, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, along with Member of Parliament for South East St. Elizabeth, Mr. Frank Witter.

In outlining the development possibilities that exist for Font Hill, which is owned by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), Mr. Robertson said, "The Font Hill property is ideal for a high-end tourism and new town development, with beach front, golf courses, and air-strips. But the surrounding communities will have to be accommodated. Minister Tufton has been telling me of a sport complex, with a vision of a stadium for the community. The area sits on the edge of the Font Hill property, and the development of a sport complex would not affect the value of the property, so I am in support of it".

Meanwhile, Dr. Christopher Tufton said, "we are committed to working together to ensure that the property is developed, it will create jobs for the people of the area, and the recreation requirements. When the development takes place, there is going to be a greater demand for housing, and recreation. The anticipation in the medium term is, we will see this area more populated, in a way that creates value for the people".

Mr. Witter agreed, remarking that the divestment and development of the Font Hill property will add to, and create more opportunities for residents of St. Elizabeth. "For a very long time we have been trying to develop South coast tourism and the Minister's plan is in the right direction. Investment in tourism will bring greater opportunities for the people of the entire parish," Mr. Witter said.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By jamaica for sale on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 02:21 pm: Edit Post

font hill property already sold to Spanish hotel group


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By sigh on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 03:56 pm: Edit Post

I wonder if the beach will be private too?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Trav on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 03:34 pm: Edit Post

Guess I'd better get back down there before it changes...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By For The Love of Money on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 04:05 pm: Edit Post

Is anyone really surprised?
After all the $$$ is the almighty and rules many.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JUJU on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 04:34 pm: Edit Post

This is the worst news I have heard in a long time.The Spanish ruined their coastlines long ago,and now they are doing it any place poor and ignorant enough to sell them property.As for all the jobs that will be created.......Have you ever spoken with any of the people "lucky" enough to work at Sandles Whitehouse,another pristine place that has been ruined for the almighty dollar?This makes me feel as helpless and sad as the new oilspill does.Humans are bent on the destruction of the earth,it seems,and the small victories that are won pale in comparison with the wanton greed that raises it's ugly head continually.It seems that humans,generally DO NOT CARE what kind of a world they hand to their children.Pretty pesimistic,nuh true?This should be seen as a vulgar and highly insulting move,just the kind of thing which will always keep our species from reaching it's full potential in the big picture of HUMAN EVOLUTION.Don't I recall all sorts of environmental violations and court cases at Bahia Princepts?So,here we go again,gear up for another battle.Pray that those who really care about Jamaica,and wage continuing battles will soldier on and may the rest of us join them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By In The Mix on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 06:09 pm: Edit Post

I've got news for you.... that's but one that is coming, there will be an even bigger project coming on stream, will let you know soon.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A.Todd on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 08:01 pm: Edit Post

One smart guy told me this today
""The Spanish have the hotels, the Irish and English the phone company, Canadians the airports,bankrupt American company had JPS until they were rich again, now the Japanese have it, Chinese get the bauxite, and railroad, French have the toll roads. Oh yeah, Jamaica still owns the NWC...in the land of wood and bottled water. Free at last, we are a strong independent country."


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Maro22 on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 11:53 pm: Edit Post

The Spanish have an awful record of development in Mexico, the Philippines, Costa Rica and Belize. There are incidents of illegal development in each of these countries and at times the Spanish were forced to tear down a resort built without consent.
It is about greed and disrespect of other cultures that the Spanish have embraced. One of the reasons the Philippines have not done as well as other Asian countries is recovering from the hangover of greed of 400 years of Spanish occupation.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MikeyMike on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 10:06 am: Edit Post

I always wondered how long it would be before the Jamaican goverment and rich developers would "sell out" TB ?
I guess it is on the way !!!!
That "TB bug" that bites all of the first time tourists to TB,and makes them fall in love with the area, is about to be sprayed with the most potent insectiside available, "mass developement" and "greed"
ONE LOVE !!
Mike


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By just me on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 04:59 pm: Edit Post

WHERE EXACTLY IS FONT HILL?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ZED on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 01:23 pm: Edit Post

OBSERVER Environment links:

Government Waging War on the Environment Say Environmental Groups

www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Government-waging-war-on-environment-say-environmen tal-groups

The Bittersweet Environment-Social & Political Issues

"ON EARTH DAY, students from many schools turned out at the Gardens(Hope) to display projects done in their environmental clubs and to demonstrate their willingness to create a better environment for their future. There was a range of projects along with lectures, entertainment, etc. Digicel was the main sponsor.

Many schools encourage their students to take on environmental projects. Westwood High School for Girls in Trelawny, for instance, has become adept at a range of projects featuring farming of vegetables in a variety of containers, using a minimum of water. Their suitcase garden, filled with cabbages, is one of their noted achievements.

Then at the National Arena last week Thursday and Friday, there was the JPS Science and Technology Expo, under the theme "Green Technology for Survival".
The two-day event gave hope that if we can continue to engage the imagination and will of a new generation, the future won't be so dark after all.
The Expo was the National Finals of the competition involving 33 schools from primary, secondary and tertiary, from all ends of the island. Between them, they presented some 38 exhibits.

There were demonstrations in the use of indigenous material, use of energy and innovative ways to recycle and reinvent ways to protect the environment.

To hear 10-year-olds explain the complexities of a process like converting waste to methane or harnessing wind power as a solution to the energy crises, was to get a glimpse into a future with real possibilities.

We seem happiest when we can carry on about how inferior the quality of our education system is. I often wonder how many of those who do so consistently have even taken the time to really look at what so many schools are doing despite woefully inadequate resources.

Several projects focused on creating alternate sources of energy and both genders - male and female - built and displayed wind turbines, generators and other machinery, proving that when students are challenged to investigate and explore, then they will learn and excel.
Credit must go to our teachers who give their all for the benefit of their students. It is ridiculous to be decrying them all as non-performers now, just because they're asking for what is owed to them.
Congratulations to the utility company for being more than a presenter of light bills.

This was the eighth year of the islandwide competition. It has restored faith in the much-battered concept that while there is life there can be hope. We could do with a strong dose of that right now, thank you please."


www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/The-bittersweet-environment_7588522


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Stacie on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 01:51 pm: Edit Post

This is horrible news ... coming on the heels of some horrible funding news for the little non-profit I run here in Brooklyn. Just not a good day for the little guys, looks like.

Is there anything that can be done about this sale? Is it "proposed" or is it already a done deal?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By sad on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 04:41 pm: Edit Post

Oh boy, here we go selling and selling and none of us (Jamaicans) were ever put in a position (financially) to buy. Why can't another country come in to buy the crime and corruption?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By cawa on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 03:20 am: Edit Post

This is so sad, this was a place we had an ecology field trip to when I was in high school.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ZED on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 07:53 pm: Edit Post

BLOW BABY BLOW!

www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/03/breaking-large-air-spill_n_560762.html


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ZED on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 04:26 am: Edit Post

Peter Espeut (Catholic church deacon, sociologist and a natural resource manager) shares his passions in this Gleaner article:

"Jamaica - in fact the global community - has signed international treaties and protocols which commit us to achieve certain development goals, using certain development approaches - in particular sustainable development. This week the government made announcements about construction projects which will destroy sensitive ecosystems and habitats on the Palisadoes Strip in Kingston and at Font Hill in St Elizabeth. Last month the terrible news was about the impending destruction of the Bengal Cliffs (aka Puerto Bueno Mountain) in St. Ann.

Despite the contents of the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism, the South Coast Sustainable Development Plan and the South-West Coast Development Plan, the government has announced that it will support "high-end tourism and new town development, with beach front, golf courses, and air-strips" on the Font Hill property.

Font Hill is a remarkably pristine wildlife habitat. It has spectacular populations of animals and plants found nowhere else in the world. What is the point of planning, of having public consultations and coming to agreement on the type of development and strategies for development we want in our country if they can be easily thrown out the window when investors wave money in the faces of politicians?

There is a limit to what patriotic Jamaicans will put up with. The price we are here being asked to pay for so-called development is too high.

Remember Paul Bogle."


www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100507/cleisure/cleisure2.html

For Continuing Articles & Resources on the Font Hill (Luana) controversy
Refer to Wendy Lee's Google Group Site: Jamaica Land We Love


Take note of Dr. Tom Sherry (Dept of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology @ Tulane University): Notes on the Ecological & Scientific Value of Font Hill
derived mostly from the research of Ann Sutton (...Guide to Birds of Jamaica & "Font Hill Fact Sheet") & owner of the villa Folichon, here in Treasure Beach.

http://groups.google.com.jm/group/JamaicaLandWeLove/web/font-hill


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ZED on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 09:45 am: Edit Post

Treasure Beach's "own" Ann Haynes-Sutton, who with Robert Sutton, Audrey Downer & Yves-Jaques Rey-Millet, produced the comprehensive A Comprehensive Guide to the Birds of Jamaica knows where the deep nature sanctuaries, relatively undisturbed by human intrusion, are hidden, unfortunately, in the story of Font Hill, in plain sight and under the so-called protection of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica(PCJ).

We used to think, as we stopped for a swim & a picnic at PCJ's Font Hill Wildlife Preserve & Beach Park, that Preserve meant someting...now the gov-giveaway-ment is telling us what...a holding pattern for destruction.

Although there are some agents associated with the PCJ, such as the Jamaica's renowned geologist, renewable energy expert & advocate Dr Raymond Wright (former managing director, perhaps still presently a consultant), you have to wonder how much stewardship an entity with "Petroleum" & "Corporation" on their masthead, will devote.

Wasn't BP (British Petroleum), responsible for this consuming, Gulf oil-spill blob attacking the ocean's fragile, even microscopic water column, of late, promoting themselves as BP (Beyond Petroleum), investing in Renewable Energy (BP Solar Photovoltaics), only to close down some operations, as the profits from oil soared & price of PV falls into marginality (peanuts).

Many days ago, the Oil Slick (irony?) was described as larger than the island of Jamaica and blooming in 3-D, both horizontally & vertically.
Ought we to imagine that in some amorphous form that the Spill, in depth, will have its own tragic Blue Blue Mountain?

As the Crisis of Font Hill (or Luana, the musical name that comes down from our history) unfolds & cries out for our righteous indignation, civil disobedience, DEMANDS for prolonged, impartial, scientifically-based Environmental Impact Assessments, it is spine-bracing to know that environmentalists & community advocates, whom we trust...Ann Sutton, Diana McCaulay with JET, Deacon Peter Espeut, Diana McIntyre-Pike (& other respecters of the South Coast Sustainable Development Plan) are on the case.

The government is trashing a Development Plan, with the "jobs/development" argument, but without the transparency of how much of the Income/Profits, from these over-built, over-cementing, kill-zoning, community-threatening behemoth hotels, are being repatriated to their liege lords in Spain.
When the tax credits and long term concessions are factored, what does the local benefit equation look like?

Something stinks...feels corrupt...smacks of lackey-ism!

And can we imagine that, if ever the RIU-a-likes were to start hacking away at crocodile & turtle nesting habitats (00ps! We're sorry, we didn't think any boobies were watching us...Process & inspections get so muddled & we thought we distracted NEPA with the only ultimate Approvals worth anything... our Prime Minister's desires).
... or when the hotel-masters start "cleaning up" the beach-shore of those annoying, body-caressing sea grasses & view-obscuring mangroves.
You know just how much sunbathers enjoy the company of the gators close to their beach lounges!

SEE Ann Suttons Brief: Font Hill-More Than a Beach with PHOTOS from Facebook's Save Font Hill Jamaica! networking Petition to Join the Force!

www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=all&subj=114999655206778&aid=-1&pid=3980325 &id=695436858&oid=114999655206778#!

CLICK ON: Previous or At End of Photos To read Ann Sutton's Reasonings

Blurb from: A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Jamaica

Jamaica is home to more than 300 bird species, including about 25 endemics, making the island one of today's most desirable birding destinations.
A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Jamaica covers every species, including vagrants, and is specially designed for easy, at-a-glance reference in the field. This unique illustrated guide features 650 stunning color photographs as well as detailed species accounts that describe key identification features, voice, habitat, confusion species, status, and distribution. There is also a distribution map for resident and migrant birds... this is a one-of-a-kind photographic guide to the birds of Jamaica.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Does Not Compute on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 11:51 am: Edit Post

"It will involve about 2,000 [workers] in the construction phase and about 12,000 workers when the project is completed. This is a full endorsement of the government's policies and activities as it relates to tourism development and is a major statement about [Jamaica as a tourist] destination," he said.

My question: 15 workers per room? (800 rooms and 12,000 employees) What will the majority of these unnecessary (and probably not to be hired) workers possibly do except take care of each other? Or is that ridiculously inflated number in the business plan to make it sound as if it this is a positive move?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ZED on Sunday, May 09, 2010 - 06:21 am: Edit Post

Read JHTA South Coast Area Chairman Judy Schoenbein's Letter to the Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett regarding the proposed divestment of the Font Hill property in St. Elizabeth.

The South Coast Chapter of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association (JHTA) will only support developments in accordance with the South Coast Sustainable Development Plan!

There is a clarity of purpose in her letter, which reminds us of a recent campaign to preserve the dunes & coastal ecology at Old Wharf... but in this instance, early, with publicly announced alerts, at the pre-planning stages of a "grander" development scheme & going directly (face-to-face) to the "trigger"...the Prime Minister's councilor of maximum influence.

•From the Facebook group "Save Font Hill Jamaica!" (Added May 7)
Photo 8 of 33

Photo 3 0f 33 is a rather impressive view of the mangroves at Font Hill & the tranquility & specialness of the Preserve.

www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=all&subj=114999655206778&aid=-1&pid=3980325 &id=695436858&oid=114999655206778#!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Makes Even Less Sense Now on Sunday, May 09, 2010 - 03:40 am: Edit Post

Now the Fiesta Group wants an airport on the South Coast. They didn't notice there wasn't one there prior to this? Lovely--an airport in the midst of a quiet residential area. This plan is starting to sound even crazier than it did before.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MCQueener on Monday, May 10, 2010 - 08:18 am: Edit Post

Edmond Bartlett - He added that by next week another investor would be exploring investment potential in another section of the parish.[St Elizabeth]The minister did not disclose the location. - Scary!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Trav on Monday, May 10, 2010 - 01:44 pm: Edit Post

Does anyone know when all of this is supposed to start? Hopefully not before I get down there again...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By No to Font Hill on Monday, May 10, 2010 - 03:00 pm: Edit Post

There are two Facebook pages re Font Hill and it's preservation. For those of you on Facebook please show your support.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113501242013590&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=114999655206778&ref=ts

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113501242013590&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=113501242013590&ref=ts


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sport Complex on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 07:46 am: Edit Post

"Minister Tufton has been telling me of a sport complex, with a vision of a stadium for the community".

Does anyone know if this sport complex might be a "relocation" of the one BREDS is planning for Treasure Beach?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Resigned on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 04:39 pm: Edit Post

I hope it's not that little area I'm thinking of MCQueener. That would be worse than tragic. Hey, money talks and the other thing walks. Nothing new.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By What to do? on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 07:45 am: Edit Post

I am willing to sign petitions, but what else can I do? Will it make any difference if we write letters? Can someone provide some specific advice for how to fight this monstrosity of an idea?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 04:35 pm: Edit Post

http://www.elaw.org/history

http://www.elaw.org/book/export/html/1272


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Resigned on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 09:59 am: Edit Post

Hello what to do, just look at the wall and the canal and the sports park and you'll have your answer. Onward we walk towards the cliff.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Do Not Give Up on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 12:24 am: Edit Post

I prefer to call many who have spoken out here against the wall and the sports park and the canal and have been unafraid to write their names The Unafraid Voices of Reason. Most of those people do not live in T/B on a fulltime basis but clearly care deeply for the community and have deep community ties. What good have their words and actions achieved? I wish I could point to something but I cannot. If these people give up in frustration or if people think their words do not matter, then all is lost. I encourage the organizers of the group against Font Hill Development (Ruin) to not give up and to provide specific things people can do to help. I also encourage community leaders like Kory to continue to have the guts to speak out rationally against what is happening and what is proposed.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By What would Bob do? on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 06:43 am: Edit Post

What to do? There is lots you can do.For a start,there is a literary festival coming up with world renowned authors,poets,singers,musicians and politicians going to be there. {edited by TBNet} The theme of the festival this year is Bob Marleys Uprising. What would Bob do?? {edited by TBNet} People of St Elizabeth! Look at Christoper Tuftons profile on the authors page and his reading on Sunday May 30, 10AM to 11.30AM. {edited by TBNet} Print flyers,hand them out to the writers attending the festival,engage them in talk and make them aware of what is going on. Publicise,mobilise.The media will be there.TV,newspaper reporters not just from Jamaica but America,Canada,Europe and England. Cmon Treasure Beach be creative and active,let your voice be heard.Keep up the pressure on Tufton.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MikeyMike on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 11:06 am: Edit Post

This is JAMAICA we are talking about !!
The "likkle mon" has no chance against the powers that be, which happen to have the MONEY !!!
The big money people in Jamaica will sell out to anyone with big money that want to develope, no matter the cost to the enviroment. In the end they will destroy the very thing that make them rich !!!
Also, remember the beach sand that was stolen by a Jamaican for another Spanish resort developement on the North Coast ?
ONE LOVE !!
Mike


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By rebecca on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 12:29 pm: Edit Post

I know it's been quite a few years since I lived there, but couldn't the same be said for America . . . and probably many other countries as well?

I was in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida a few weeks ago and took a water taxi through the "Venice" of Florida. The guide pointed out one canal and said that was where much of the Tarzan movies were filmed. WOW! That was a wake-up moment for me as that was not that long ago and now this same canal which used to imitate the jungles of the African continent was replaced by very closely built multi-million dollar houses, one after the other after the other.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Beth on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 04:56 am: Edit Post

I agree with 'What would Bob do?' The Calabash Festival is quite an important forum to spread the word to as many like minded people as possible and to an international audience via word of mouth and especially flyers. It is a great opportunity that shouldn't be missed. You could set up a stall or two with information on Font Hill,its uniqeness and the government's plan to destroy it.There may well be visitors in your midst able to organise a documentary to spread the word and bring pressure to bear on the authorities. One idea that just sprang to mind is mobilising the Diaspora groups in the different countries ,UK ,USA and Canada. I live in the UK and will try to make contact today. The bottom line is we can't give up.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ZED on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 06:02 am: Edit Post

Tourism Minister Bartlett in a rare admission:

JAMAICA'S Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett is concerned that enough tourism dollars aren't staying in the Caribbean, and has suggested that regional countries forge a collaborative unit in order to hold on to those earnings.

Bartlett said that many destinations are retaining as low as seven cents of every dollar tourists spend, noting that much of the tourist dollar "goes back to where it came from".

www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Tourism-earnings-leaking-from-region-Bartlett_7 603915


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By To What Would Bob Do? on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 11:18 am: Edit Post

Even though your words have been edited by TB.net, your sentiments still shone through. Your idea of peaceful demonstrations during Calabash, especially when MP Tufton takes the stage, is brilliant. Let's see how independent the press is. If they can be bought off, then all is lost.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By On line petition. on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 07:53 pm: Edit Post

There is now an online petition to save Font Hill. Believe it or not, an on line petition was very instrumental in saving Pellew Island in Port Antonio. I ask that everyone sign this. You can do it anonymously if you choose but it is more effective if you put your name. Also, make sure to write a comment...something...anything about why you do not think this is a good idea. Also offer options if you can. Please email or Facebook this link to all your friends. EVERY SINGLE SIGNATURE AND WORD COUNTS!!! This is not the time to say..."Someone else can do it". *Please note - you may be asked if you want to contribute financially. It would be great if we all could but that's not possible for a lot of people. You can just skip over that option at the end.
Please don't forget to pass this on and get everyone who you pass it on to, to do the same.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-font-hill-nature-preserve-from-development /296129606/taf


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Van on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 04:57 pm: Edit Post

Don't mourn. Organize! - Joe Hill


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Calabash Ideas on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 10:19 am: Edit Post

It MAY not be possible to take out a booth to "Save Font Hill" at Calabash, as the Festival is held on private property. However, there is nothing to prevent flyers from being handed out on the main road at the entrance to the Festival.

Also, Miss McCaulay is presenting at Calabash--and it would be good if she took a minute or two or five to make some heartfelt remarks on saving Font Hill to the assembled crowd.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By questions on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 10:24 am: Edit Post

Do we know exactly what is being planned for Font Hill? What if the plans are to establich an eco-friendly resort similar to ones in Costa Rica for example? I'm against the idea as it's being presented in this forum but I'm afraid the facts are scanty.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Polite Uprising Necessary on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 11:28 pm: Edit Post

Politicians must be held accountable for what they say and what they do. Do they say what people want to hear when an election is coming and then seem to forget too many of their promises once they have been elected? I am proud our MP has been selected to present at Calabash. I am well less than impressed he has never taken the time to acknowledge even one of the polite communications I have sent to him. In my mind, I deserve to be answered just as much as a huge Spanish hotel conglomerate even though I am a "Nobody" to him.

What has happened to true investigative journalism in Jamaica? Let us see if it is alive and well after the visiting press at Calabash gets invited to take a look at what is happening.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By sisterfire on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 07:47 am: Edit Post

FYI...if one looks over the Calabash schedule, one might notice that the Hon. Min. Christopher Tufton will be on site Sunday morning. Just sayin'.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By 2 Questions on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 03:10 pm: Edit Post

An eco-friendly resort by a Spanish conglomerate? That would be lovely. That would IMHO also be a naive pipe dream.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ZED on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 09:45 am: Edit Post

JAMAICA FOR SALE REVISITED:

Excerpted from a Gleaner Letter to the Editor:

We, the people, need to hire a lawyer (maybe a foreign one or a foreign firm of lawyers ) to protect Jamaica from the Government's selling out of our land and resources to foreign powers such as Spain and China.

It is not a joke; it is a serious matter and has grave consequences for the very future and survival of Jamaica as we know and love it.

Jamaica, land we love, needs to be protected now.

Puerto Bueno Mountain, the Cockpit Country, Palisadoes, Font Hill and many more areas of land - forests and coastline - that are precious natural spaces that are ours, belonging to "we the people", are being sold and/or leased for environmentally destructive purposes to foreigners, at an ever-escalating, frightening rate behind our backs as done deals.

The National Environ-ment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is a joke, and a sad one at that. It is just a façade, a travesty of justice for our environment. It is a government lackey.

People are owners!

We, the people of Jamaica, put the Government there (either of them, it does not matter) as managers of our land.

We are the owners, yet the managers are selling out our island with impunity, denying our children their natural inheritance, ruining our natural resources forever, including our beaches, forests, coral reefs and seas, mountains, all with their unique and precious plants and animals which are in desperate need of something to happen now so that they can continue to exist and make us what we are - Jamaica, the beautiful island in the sun!

Let's stop this senseless madness and save our country from ugliness and evisceration by those who are only out to rape us and leave us despite their great show of friendliness and altruism.

www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100515/cleisure/cleisure4.html


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JD on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 07:16 am: Edit Post

By bob marley on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 12:20 pm: Edit Post
get up, stand up.... stand up for your rights...


By 2 Questions on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 03:10 pm: Edit Post
An eco-friendly resort by a Spanish conglomerate? That would be lovely. That would IMHO also be a naive pipe dream.

AMEN!!!!!!!
Jobs? yes, but at what cost?????


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By up north on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 02:51 pm: Edit Post

Please, also remember this online petition

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/PROTECT-Puerto-Bueno-Mountain-Jamaica


we are having problems All over Jamaica,
the Government is really very serious about selling Jamaica.

Thank you


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bowl on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 02:00 pm: Edit Post

COLUMBUS AGAIN. 1494 or was it '92 North Coast.

2010 South Coast.

What could the Tainos (Arawacks) do.

What can we do.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 12:37 pm: Edit Post

The ultimate challenge is if humans can live in a habitat like Font Hill and add to it's complexity and beauty.

This primary question has not been addressed anywhere.

Why?

If we cannot, or will not, giving control of one of our National Treasures to any who would displace this complexity to add digits to a data base seems a business decision.

A business decision which excludes Ecology is unbalanced and based on principles that are being questioned at the highest? levels.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Stop Selling Out on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 07:17 am: Edit Post

The politicians are selling our beloved country. I wonder how much a person gets for selling his soul.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Born a yard and love yard on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 10:45 pm: Edit Post

Well the Jamaicans dem leaving and going to foreign,dem say they not going back to their paradise for foreign too nice. So the Jamaican government is broke and willing to sell and give and lease everything, soon it will be like South Africa, we will be considered the strangers in teh land of our birth. May God help those who get back before they realise how foreign is not so nice.Nuff respect


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By PLEASE Organize for Calabash on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 11:45 am: Edit Post

Please someone organize something good for Calabash. May MANY people participate and not be intimidated into walking away or believing all will be fine. The Jamaican press doesn't much seem to care. Maybe the foreign press can embarrass them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By love mi yard on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 10:39 am: Edit Post

Born a yard and love yard, Don't is true,every word you typed
Love of money rules all not only Jamaican government.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ZED on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 07:20 pm: Edit Post

JEAN: JAMAICA ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY NETWORK

Full Press Release:"Government Waging WAR on the Environment..."

www.yardedge.net/environment/government-wages-war-on-the-environment


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Your turn. on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 04:19 pm: Edit Post

To 'Please organize for Calabash"

Why don't you do it?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By PLEASE Organize for Calabash on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 04:13 am: Edit Post

On 16 May I suggested, "Please someone organize something good for Calabash. May MANY people participate and not be intimidated into walking away or believing all will be fine. The Jamaican press doesn't much seem to care. Maybe the foreign press can embarrass them".

Then on 17 May, "Your Turn" said "To 'Please organize for Calabash,"Why don't YOU do it?"

If I was not going to be some 5,000 miles away during Calabash, I WOULD do it.

Without providing a list of things I have done for the community including listing my real name in this forum over the years, contributing to JET, signing petitions, getting many others to sign petitions, I do not know what else I can do RIGHT NOW. I am surmising you did not mean to be insulting, so I shall not take your comment that way.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 09:03 am: Edit Post

Not all idea brokers are good organisers.

I am surprised that our local media are relatively silent on development and related degredation. What do those that filter mass information think of these things?

Those with the gold and/or guns do make the rules. I hope wisdom and sensitivity were not forgotten in the passion to multiply the gold and the grim satisfaction of power by force or deception.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Disagreement on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 01:02 pm: Edit Post

Your Turn, I do find your comments unnecessarily insulting. It is up to all of us to protest what the Jamaican government seems to be so willing to allow the Fiesta Group to do. It affects all of us. Keeping ones mouth shut implies agreement.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Beth on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 03:54 pm: Edit Post

'Your turn', we can all do our bit even if it's just alerting groups, organisations,friends and family to what is happening and urging them to sign the on line petition. Make good use of this wonderful medium called the internet.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Asking on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - 11:49 am: Edit Post

Do you think there is any chance Justine or Jason would turn over the stage to some representatives of Save Font Hill to make a short presentation to the audience?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By 2 Asking on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 06:07 am: Edit Post

Splendid idea.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Asking on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 01:10 pm: Edit Post

Shall we presume that Justine and Jason will respond on this venue or should we write to them separate from this?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Very concerned on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 02:21 pm: Edit Post

I have seen nothing in the papers either about Font Hill or the other undisclosed south coast location for possible large scale tourism development. Does anyone have any knowledge of what is happening?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Might not work on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 11:38 pm: Edit Post

I do nor know if either Justine or Jason participates on Facebook, but neither of them appears to have signed up for any of the Save Font Hill or other environmental groups.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Friday, May 21, 2010 - 08:36 am: Edit Post

There are many ways to show your support for a cause. I haven't signed this particular petition. Does that automatically mean I am for the project? Let's be careful about careless accusations.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Friday, May 21, 2010 - 10:51 am: Edit Post

I agree, there are many ways to support the issue.

I am not on Facebook nor have I signed this petition. Thanks for reminding me, there is effect in numbers.

The support by word has effect. Correct action gives form and substance to the words.

And yes Rebecca, I'm hopeful too. I agree with Van, mourning robs energy.

Hope is an amazing fuel, cousin to faith.

Later.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Save Font Hill on Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 05:51 am: Edit Post

'Green' lobbyists bat for Font Hill

BY PETRE WILLIAMS-RAYNOR Environment editor williamsp@jamaicaobserver.com

Sunday, May 30, 2010

ONCE again, environmental lobbyists are going to bat against the Government over property it intends to sell to tourism interests.

The property at the centre of the dispute this time around is Font Hill in St Elizabeth, home to the American crocodile and several other species.

Minister of Energy and Mining James Robertson announced in April that the 3,000-acre property, owned by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, would be divested to facilitate development.

"The Font Hill property is ideal for a high-end tourism and new town development, with beach front, golf courses and airstrips," Robertson told Jamaica Information Service, the public relations arm of the Government, on April 23.

But 'green' lobbyists insist the property, which is not only home to crocodiles, but also several species of birds and turtles, among other things, should not be sold. Among the vociferous lobbyists is Dr Bryon Wilson, zoologist and lecturer at the University of the West Indies.

"Hopefully this will be kind of a watershed moment. (Successive) governments have basically been selling off the beach property... and Font Hill is the latest one," he told the Sunday Observer. "Font Hill is possibly the best or one of the best -- second only to Manatee Bay -- for coastal real estate for biodiversity. And if they did sell it, it would destroy the place. But the big question is, what are they going to do with all the crocodiles?"

Added Wilson: "We counted 67 crocodiles on the Font Hill property (during a visit there recently) -- and that was just how many we saw in one day. So literally there are hundreds of them there and if they build a big hotel, where are they going to go?"

At the same time, he said the area is also a nesting area for sea turtles and other species, which must be taken into account in any consideration for development of the area.

"Font Hill has really good nesting habitat for not just crocs, but also sea turtles, birds. It is (also) a really valuable piece of real estate because it is unspoiled, and if they do any of the stuff they propose, they will destroy it," Wilson said. "They can't sell off everything. You need a little sustainability," he added.

Wendy Lee, president of the Northern Jamaica Conservation Association, was in full agreement.

"I am totally against the current approach of the Government, which is to sell off of our coastal assets without proper scrutiny," Lee said. She added that the Government's approach also went against scientific advice, stakeholders' wishes and "all the voices" advocating for sustainability. "I mean, do we have no commitment to environmental conservation?" she remarked.

"And, of course," she continued, "you have the whole potential of that area not only to be a wildlife reserve but (also) to have the associated low-impact long-term tourism that can benefit from the wildlife assets. We seem to have a Government that does not understand the economic potential for using our wildlife and natural resources sustainably, for capitalising on their value for the future."

Diana McCaulay, chief executive officer at the Jamaica Environment Trust, also voiced opposition to any development at Font Hill.

"It is very distressing to hear that a big hotel is being contemplated for a place that is identified as to be protected in the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism, p 175," she said. "It is a very important wetland area, and (one will) understand the role wetlands play in protecting our coasts and providing fish. So I hope that there is transparency surrounding whatever we plan for Font Hill."

Jan Pauel, a member of the Jamaica Environmental Advocacy Network (JEAN), was of a similar mind.

"Font Hill is a very special area of dense Jamaican biodiversity that has managed to survive human encroachment over time. The area is extremely diverse and rich in many species, such as birds, crocodiles, turtles, bats, butterflies, marine-life and many others -- plus the forest and marine habitat they live in. The area has already been encroached on and reduced to only a few hundred acres of remaining original natural habitat for these animals, many of which are protected," he said.

"Bulldozing the mangrove and dry forests for massive hotels is insane and immoral. The loss of the reefs and associated marine species and birds would be a serious loss for Jamaica and the Jamaicans who reside in that area -- not to mention the forests in North America that these creatures live in for part of each year," he added.

"This destruction and exploitation is only benefiting foreign multinationals, who will send the profits abroad and Jamaica and the Jamaican people will lose their natural heritage forever. This destructive policy of levelling our coastlines and erecting concrete cities that destroy our natural heritage while simultaneously cutting off Jamaicans from access to their own beaches is wrong," Pauel said further.

Still, Government appears enthusiastic about selling the property, noting, among other things, the employment possibilities.

"We are committed to working together to ensure that the property is developed. It will create jobs for the people of the area, and the recreation requirements," Dr Christopher Tufton, the Member of Parliament for South West St Elizabeth, told JIS in its report published on April 26.

Frank Witter, the Member of Parliament for South East St Elizabeth, echoed his sentiment.

"For a very long time we have been trying to develop south coast tourism and the minister's (Robertson's) plan is in the right direction. Investment in tourism will bring greater opportunities for the people of the entire parish," he was quoted by JIS as saying.

But environmental interests insist the disadvantages of such a move outweigh the advantages.

"The false ploy of it being 'development and jobs' is a farce that has been disproved in Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean. Our natural heritage is more valuable to us economically and as a nation (in tact), than selling it out to become a concrete polluter in the interest of foreigners," said Pauel.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Monday, August 09, 2010 - 05:13 pm: Edit Post

This link was just forwarded to me and worth watching:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HunR-VJJ2Pc

Thanks Diana and JET for all your efforts!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Karen Kennedy on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - 07:07 am: Edit Post

Lovely. Just posted it to my Facebook page.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kathy on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - 01:03 pm: Edit Post

As did I ....for the 3rd time : )


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By sustainable plan on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - 08:43 pm: Edit Post

Frank Pringle can tell us what the south coast sustainable plan is about ... and think he can actually find a copy.
Anyone know how to find him? I know he lives in Montego Bay.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cindy James on Thursday, August 12, 2010 - 03:00 pm: Edit Post

US scientist says 'no' to Font Hill's development

‘DON’T DISTURB’

BY PETRE WILLIAMS-RAYNOR Environment editor williamsp@jamaicaobserver.com

Wednesday, July 28, 2010





RESPECTED animal ecologist and conservation scientist Dr Peter Marra has waded into the debate over Font Hill in St Elizabeth, insisting that the site ought not to be developed given its ecological value.

"Intact and undisturbed mangrove, coastal beach and coral reef habitats are all extremely important but also extremely rare habitats in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean. Much of Jamaica's coastal areas have been developed into high-end or high-occupancy tourist destinations. It is essential that some coastal areas be left intact to maintain at least some of Jamaica's natural resources for future generations," Marra, a terrestrial animal ecologist with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre, told Environment Watch.


Dr Peter Marra holding a Northern cardinal at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park in Washington DC (Photo: John Gibbons)
Dr Peter Marra (left) and technician Bob Reitsma band an American redstart at Font Hill in 2005.
The American redstart is among the species studied at the Font Hill property in St Elizabeth.
Panoramic view of one of the Font Hill lagoons important for the American crocodile, water birds and many other species of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. (Photo: Nathan Cooper)
Dr Peter Marra (front, right) and colleagues walk along Font Hill's coastline carrying poles for setting up nets to capture birds during one of his visits. (Photo: Matthew Reudink).
Dr Peter Marra holding a Northern cardinal at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park in Washington DC (Photo: John Gibbons) 1/5

"(Font Hill) represents such an extraordinary natural area, with the intact black mangrove full of crocodiles, gorgeous untouched beaches essential for nesting sea turtles as well as for the Jamaican endemic, resident and migratory birds," he added.

Marra was responding to news earlier this year that the Government of Jamaica could develop the 3,000-acre property, which is owned by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica and deemed ideal for a "high-end tourism and new town development".

There is, he said, also tremendous research value from which the island and the region as a whole can benefit over the long term.

"Font Hill is extremely accessible and harbours remarkable wildlife. It could be an outstanding educational and ecotourism destination for Jamaicans and tourists visiting the island. As an educational facility, Font Hill could be a unique site focusing on terrestrial, near shore and marine environments to help train the next generations of Jamaicans about their natural heritage. All this can be done while at the same time maintaining the integrity of the site for generations to come," said Marra, who has been doing research at Font Hill since 1989.

"It is one of the most valuable sites in the world for research on the non-breeding season ecology of migratory birds. The site is unparalleled in terms of the amount of knowledge that has been gained about the winter ecology of migratory birds," he added.

Marra, 47, who has received numerous professional appointments and awards over the years -- including the Smithsonian Institution's Secretary's Distinguished Research Prize for 2008 -- has also supervised the work of others at Font Hill. All the studies, including his own, have turned up invaluable data.

"As far as research findings, we have discovered many fascinating things about the biology of migratory and resident birds in Jamaica, including how tightly rainfall and land use determines their condition. For example, birds wintering in highly disturbed habitats like scrub or pasture lands lose weight over winter compared to birds in wetter habitats such as mangrove or sites with mature tall trees," he revealed.

"One of our findings that clearly stands out is that events that happen during the winter to migratory birds determine much of the biology of these animals in subsequent periods of the annual cycle. Specifically, we have shown that the winter habitat you occupy determines how many young you produce, where the birds actually breed in their first year and how well they survive. This has never been shown before for any migratory birds," Marra added.

He has warned that any development of Font Hill could therefore see "one of the last great natural places left in Jamaica destroyed".

"Economies recover, the environment does not. More specifically, important sea turtle nesting areas will be gone, as will essential habitat for Jamaican crocodiles, countless birds and other wildlife. Also gone will be a place where Jamaicans can experience nature and wildlife," said the seasoned researcher.

However, Marra was quick to add that he was not ignorant of the economic realities that could lead a government to want to develop such an area.

"I want to emphasise that I do understand that the Jamaican Government has financial issues that must be resolved. My only hope is that we can convince them that developing the environment for tourism isn't the only solution. Once it's developed, it's gone for good," he said.

Marra has, in the interim, said he is willing and ready to work with stakeholders to come up with alternatives.

"I would like to work with them as much as they will allow to come up with viable alternatives. The south coast needs to remain an area where only low-level (impact) development is pursued. Setting aside natural areas for future generations of Jamaicans is not only essential planning, it is responsible stewardship of our planet," he noted.

He added that there was no question that there exists alternatives.

"The mangrove and surrounding habitat, the beaches and coral reefs, all need to be protected. There is still ample space for a visitor centre, training centre and an educational centre. Each of these could be used by staff of the park or could be rented out for conferences that focus on sustainable environmental development," he suggested. "The educational centre could be a site where school children visit to learn, for example, about the natural history of all of the important Jamaican ecosystems. I also envision the creation of guided or self-guided nature trails. For the site to be successful, it must appeal to both Jamaicans and to tourists just visiting the island. It is a remarkable place to bird watch, walk or to simply go swimming."


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ohliz on Thursday, April 11, 2013 - 12:02 pm: Edit Post

I am curious...3 years later, what's going on with Font Hill and the development proposed back in 2010?

I blogged about it 3 years ago when I stopped by and was recently asked. Can't find anything on the internet from the last while. Did the economy stall the project?

http://www.travelsinjamaica.com/2013/04/a-stop-at-font-hill-st-elizabeth.html