I took note of the directions given in the FAQ section for traveling from Norman Manley Airport in Kingston to Treasure Beach. Looks a bit dated to me.
It doesn't seem to take account of Michael Manley Boulevard, which starts at Rockfort and takes you along the waterfront into Downtown Kingston, avoiding the congestion of Windward Road/ Victoria Avenue/ East Kings Street etc.
Then there's the completed section of Highway 2000 (a toll road) out in St. Catherine and a part of Clarendon, which takes you along at a maximum speed of 110 kilemetres per hour, avoiding bottleneck areas such as the Spanish Town bypass, Old Harbour and May Pen.
And in mid-2006 the next segment of this highway, taking your through Portmore, will be open. Then you will not have to travel through Three Miles, but veer left from Marcus Garvey Drive onto the new six-lane bridge into and through Portmore.
It should make traveling to Treasure Beach much easier, and, I daresay, possibly a more attractive option for those who may sometimes wish to use another entry point into the island, instead of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

You are absolutely right. We will ammend these directions within the week.

Thanks for keeping us on our toes Earl!

All they need to do now is do some work on the incredibly awful Kingston Airport. I usually leave and return through that airport and it is truly a disgrace. I guess it doesn't cater to tourists so it doesn't require upgrading.

I hate the airport in Kingston. I also prefer the drive from MoBay to TB. Unfortunately I get better air fares in & out of Kingston.

It does not mater what road you travel on in that Island they are all deplorable.Shaaaame on the Jamacian Government.

There could well be a third airport option in the future.
Both the government and the opposition have disclosed plans to convert the old Vernamfield airbase in Southern Clarendon into an international airport.
In the meantime, however, there are concerns regarding the longterm viability of Manley International in Kingston, on that narrow Palesadoes peninsula. During the passage of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 the protective barriers shielding the road leading to the airport from the sea on both sides were severely eroded. The roadway was again affected by the storms earlier this year and there are fears that the airport itself might be somewhat vulnerable.
So, there are some who are suggesting that there should not be much further development at that airport, while the focus shifts to Vernamfield.
Some argue, on the other hand, that Vernamfield would be too far out of the capital city.
I rather suspect that this location would suit the people of Treasure Beach and other parts of Central Jamaica just fine, though!

About how long would it take to get from Vernamfield to TB ? If it's an hour or less I hope it happens !

I do agree with Earl. Building a new Airport is the best thing that could happen and the Journey to the South Coast would be a safer drive even though I know lots of people living in KIngston and the Eastern Parishes will give against it.
But you know what "If we keep getting these strong hurricanes the location at which the Manley's Airport is with the ocean on either sides, is one day going to dissapear or will completely become impassable.The road and the ocean is on the same level and that is the "BIG PROBLEM".

With Highway 2000 running right past Vernamfield it will take minutes to get from Mandeville to the airport. That is, when the new highway is completed, all the way up to join Mandeville's Winston Jones Highway at Williamsfield.
The most difficult part of the journey then will be traveling up the hill to Mandeville from T. Beach.
Of course there's a small coast road that runs through the Milk River/ Canoe Valley area into Alligator Pond and into Junction. It is in need of upgrading, but that's a definite possibility.

Earl you have some influence with politicians instead of building Airports why not suggest fixing the roads to get to and from our impending new , nearer airport. First thing first we must learn to crawl before we walk fix the roads to last more than 2seconds, then we can look at the bigger picture ie new airports much needed as it is we need better infrastruture more urgent.

I know people who'd love to bring an elderly parent to TB but the drive from either airport would be too muchfor them. Hopefully this new airport will happen in the near future.

Does it have to be a choice between better roads and a new airport? Both are considered necessary, for different reasons.
In the case of Vernamfield, this is being touted by both major parties as an important opportunity to spur new investments in that part of the island, but also to serve as an air cargo hub, just like the port of Kingston serves as one of the most important transshipment hubs for containers in the region, for the shipping industry.
Now, I'm no expert on the economic prospects for air cargo - just giving it to you as it has been argued by both parties.

The benefit for the general populace would be that it would not be just a cargo facility, but a bona fide international passenger airport as well (especially in light of the vulnerability of Norman Manley having been exposed recently).
It just so happens that this airport project is being tied in with the development of Highway 2000, which is currently under construction.
This highway, as it was conceived, should run eventually from Kingston to Montego Bay, via Mandeville, passing near the Cockpit Country in St. Elizabeth, where the Maroon Village experience would be enhanced to serve as an additional attraction.(Of course there are environmental concerns associated with that location.)
Another leg of the highway would run from Kingston to Ocho Rios, cutting out the need to climb that treacherous Mount Rosser/ Mount Diablo road in St. Catherine.
These two legs of Highway 2000 would eventually intersect with the North Coast Highway, which is being constructed from Negril in the West to just beyond Port Antonio in the East.
Taken together, Highway 2000 (a toll road) and the North Coast Highway (free access) would take care of a significant portion of the travel around and along two main cross-island routes.
But this would still leave the South Coast in need of much improved main roads and would definitely not take care of the interior roads, islandwide. Which is where the needs of a place like Treasure Beach are so evident.
The argument of the policy makers is that you need these major roads to spur further private investments such as those currently taking place in tourism on the North Coast.
It obviously can be argued (with conviction!) that we also need improved roads in rural villages for farmers to get their produce to market and for fishermen to get their catches sold and for community tourism in a place like Treasure Beach to thrive as well!
And, that's where I believe the lobbying efforts of this website and in other fora can make a difference. Don't necessarily ask: "Why them?" The better question, I submit, is: "Why not us, as well?"

Earl we the people of Treasure Beach have done alot for our community both up front and in private, my question to you is why do we have MPs when we have to ask us every time. MPs are our repesentative in Parliment they are our official mouth piece and if we can't used them why have them. Their jobs comes with reponsibilities, they were not place in offices for themselves but for us . Tell me will I be able to get a appointment with Mr. Patterson or do I have to go through our MP? Treasure Beach as it is need to have more investment, forget highways and byways why would we need them if we can't get out of our rural communities because wi chasis done ben up the very second wi drive out, come on Earl. Treasure Beach have various groups tell me does our MP belong to any or has He been to a meeting? Did you know that He did not even know where Sunset Villa was when it was officially opened in 1999? I know because He came to Billy's Bay and ask Me his excuse was because Ms. Kinkead name was mention he thought it was her guest house by the way at that time it was name COYABA spot the difference SUNSET VIILAS--COYABA. We need better roads for people, highways come later don't you think Mr. Moxam?

Hold on, Meme. It seems like you're shooting the messenger. It sounds like Earl is just reporting some facts here. Not making decisions.

I agree with your points about the frustration about the MP and the poor quality of local roads, but let's focus this energy on the real problem.

Earl, you're shedding light on the situation. Keep it up.

Not shooting the messenger just stating the facts. The real problems are MPs who should be doing their work and remember why they were elected in the first place not to better (themselves ) but the area & the people they represents. If the light works for you Fairness then it works for you.

Thanks, Fairness, but I've probably exhausted my usefulness on this website. At least for the time being.
All the best.

Hi Earl, you've not exhausted your usefulness at all. We need mind like yours. how are you and the family? Sta Lamb is ok.

Chuck-o!
How are you, Cuz?
Good to 'link' with you via this medium.
Say hi to Sta Lamb and the others for me.
We're okay.

Earl, I can't imagine you ever exhausting your usefulness. We so appreciate your insight, reporting of facts, and opinions. Treasure Beach is very fortunate to have you carrying it's banner, bringing national attention to the needs of the area and seeking solutions to the problems.

I look forward to your postings and hope they continue for a long time.