A gated community of condominiums and single homes with security is being planned for Treasure Beach. Ideal for retirees or people who would like to retire or vacation in Treasure Beach. A club house, with swimming pool, bar, restaurant, basketball and tennis courts is being considered. One to two minutes walk to Calabash Bay beach. Upgraded 2 and 3 bedrooms homes are being considered to be built in phases on a first come first served basis. Please direct serious inquires or your thoughts about the project to treasurebeach@rogers.com

I'm almost speechless. It's not April 1st, but somehow that day would be more appropriate for a sentence that includes gated, security and Treasure Beach. I see that there is an ISP headquartered in Toronto being used. Is this venture Canadian based? If this is to be a retirement community, are senior healthcare needs being addressed? Will the restaurant be placed in the gated section or will it be open to citizens and tourists alike? Is there a name planned as of yet? Are there any local investors and if yes, who would they be?

I think this is an excellent idea if indeed you are legitimate. Is the property purchased yet? when would the anticipated building date be? need more information but am very keen on the idea!

There goe's the nieghborhood !

If such a gated housing scheme comes to Treasure Beach, we are outa there, for sure, and for good. Such a scheme is right up there in the Bright Idea Department with huge sports stadiums and creeping all-inclusives talked about for sleepy Treasure Beach. You can't have it both ways. You can't maintain and advertise the laid-back, sleepy vibe of TB while encouraging development like that. I would bet that most of us love Treasure Beach for the way it is now, not for the way it might be screwed up and made into another Negril or Ocho Rios. Gated? What would they be walling in or walling out?

By Itching to Know on Monday, March 05, 2007 - 01:31 pm:
If such a gated housing scheme comes to Treasure Beach, we are outa there, for sure, and for good. Such a scheme is right up there in the Bright Idea Department with huge sports stadiums and creeping all-inclusives talked about for sleepy Treasure Beach. You can't have it both ways. You can't maintain and advertise the laid-back, sleepy vibe of TB while encouraging development like that. I would bet that most of us love Treasure Beach for the way it is now, not for the way it might be screwed up and made into another Negril or Ocho Rios. Gated? What would they be walling in or walling out?

Well said ! Thanks.

I would have to agree. A gated community with such amenities is way too much for TB. The reason I would live there is because of the way it is now. A nice little house there would suit me just fine. There are places in Belize on Ambergris Caye that offer "condo" or apartments such as this but they have kept it simple, no gates, no tennis courts etc.etc. and I think it helps to keep the laid back sense of San Pedro alive.
The reason I started coming to Tb rather than Negril or other "tourist" destinations in Jamaica is because of the sleepy vibe and small village atmosphere.
Personally, I think it is not a great idea.

I can think of worse things to come to TB. It would bring needed income into the area through construction and several other long term benefits in support given to local businesses.

If it attracts returning residents, to me this is a plus. As a rule, returning residents tend to be involved with community projects looking for ways to give back.

My sister lives in a gated community as I'm sure some TB residents living abroad do as well - it's not as horrible as it sounds. Heck, many of us have joked around with the idea of making TB a gated community where you would have to stop at the police station to obtain permission to proceed. A little xenophobic, maybe, but it is with the aim to keep TB a quiet and peaceful place. I would assume, most folks interested in living in a planned community would not be the rowdy trouble-making types.

Change is inevitable and needed (as we have been discussing in the crime thread). I too would like things to stay the same, but we need to find positive ways to sustain our standard of living. The trick is to weed out the positive change from the negative change, weighing pros and cons, making educated decisions based on the overall impact to the community.

One concern I would have is the area proposed is a flood prone area and if back filled, where would the water go?

My two cents.

Excellent question, Rebecca. Where is this planned for.

Perhaps 'Condo' can provide more details.

What stage in the planning process is this in? Just thinking or starting tomorrow?

Has land been purchased? Where?

Is the concept similar to Silver Sands in Duncans, Trelawny? What comparable scheme in JA does it match with?

As for the general negative opinion of gated communities, take a look at houses in TB...most have gates if for nothing else to keep the goats out (yes I know that's not the only reason for the gates).


Lastly, I'll point out that the original poster asked for thoughts on the project to be emailed to them. Will you share what the reaction has been?

By kathy on Tuesday, March 06, 2007 - 06:30 pm:
I would have to agree. A gated community with such amenities is way too much for TB. The reason I would live there is because of the way it is now. A nice little house there would suit me just fine. There are places in Belize on Ambergris Caye that offer "condo" or apartments such as this but they have kept it simple, no gates, no tennis courts etc.etc. and I think it helps to keep the laid back sense of San Pedro alive.
The reason I started coming to Tb rather than Negril or other "tourist" destinations in Jamaica is because of the sleepy vibe and small village atmosphere.
Personally, I think it is not a great idea.

Amen !!

Sounds good to me.

Hope the houses will be built smack in the middle of Frenchman Dist.

I emailed to the address in the original post about this housing community, asking a few questions three days ago.
I have not as yet had any reply.

I RECENTLY STARTED VISITING TB AND CONCURS THAT THIS IS A POOR IDEA. A"GATED COMMUNITY" CONVEYS THE MESSAGE OF " PRIVATE, KEEP OUT, US V. THEM." THE BEAUTY, SAFETY AND CHARM OF TB IS THAT IT IS OPEN WITH NO BARRIERS AND EVERYONE IS FREE TO MIX AND MINGLE. THIS ALSO ADDS TO THE SAFETY THAT VISITOR EXPERIENCE AND FEEL. . WE MUST BE CAREFUL OF CHANGE, EVOLUTION HAS MANY NEGATIVES THE PRINCIPAL BEING, CRIME, WHICH MAY RESULT WHEN PEOPLE FEEL DISENFRANCHISED BY OUTSIDDERS TAKING OVER THEIR COMMUNITY(E.G. LOOK @ NEGRIL, MONTEGO BAY,OCHO RIOS AND THE OTHER TOURIST TRAPS THAT WERE ONCE BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL HAMLETS).THIS SOUNDS LIKE ANOTHER OUTSIDER OF TREASURE BEACH FINDING A WAY TO MAKE TB HIS/HER FINANCIAL NICHE. I'M NOT CERTAIN THERE WOULD BE A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF COMMUNITY JOB THAT WOULD JUSTIFY SUCH A MONSTROCITY WOULD THESE BE QUALITY LONG TERM EMPLOYMENT?. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR FOR YOU JUST MAY GET IT.

Not a bad idea, on the face of it.
As long as it is kept small, it could be a plus for the community.
Treasure Beach does need an infusion of some more civic minded residents, who are willing to get involved in community activities.
If the profile of those who come match those criteria, all the better!

Here's the dilemma for the community: As the local fishing industry collapses, more and more locals are desperately searching for a way out, financially, either in T. Beach, or, more realistically, outside. That is the reason, for example, why several have been taken in by scam artists promising 'wonderful' jobs in the USA.
As pointed out by Rebecca,this sort of development would provide some construction jobs, in the first instance, and a few permanent positions when the development is completed.

I know some persons from outside have fallen in love with Treasure Beach for the rustic and unspoilt qualities they have found. Truth is,however, that some of these quaint features for short term visitors mask the real long term hardships experienced by the permanent residents.
Is there room for compromise? I think there is!

It would, of course, be important to improve the community's infrastructure rather than add to the burden. So, before the project gets the all clear, there should be discussions with the local planning authorties and the utility companies.

Frankly, there is no location within two or three minutes of the beach that would have the carrying capacity for a large development, so I don't think we have to worry too much about monstrosity!

I'm jamaican, although I presently reside outside of Jamaica but am hoping to return and live in Treasure Beachsoon among all the people not in buffered isolation. Treasure Beach is a community of civic minded people, hence the Women's Group and others who put a lot of effort into mainting the beach and beauty of this wonderful place. This is the reason community tourism has flourished here because the residents are committed to their community. A gated community, in my view, is not the best approach to sustainable long-term economic growth and improvement for TB. For this to lead to sustainable economic growth it would have to be followed by other such developments which over time would completely change TB for what may be the worst rather than better. TB has a history and culture built for centuries around fishing and agriculture. It is possible in today's society to continue in such industries profitably. Look at the trade between Central and South American countries with European and North American countries regarding produce,wild/ farm raised, canned seafood products. Another avunue is to grow plants that are needed by the pharmaceutical industry. Although pharmaceuticals are somewhat synthesize many start from plant base. There have been numerous other responses regarding other industrial possiblities which can help sustain this community long term.As a person who makes pottery and ceramic wares I've noticed that there is lots of red dirt for creating terracotta clay and pottery for local and export markets.Frazer dolls are world renouned, how about something similar in TB not limited to dolls.
Construction doesn't equal jobs for locals as I'm sure this is not being done by a TB architectural nor engineering firm. At the most this would be a very temporary source of manual labor, low pay jobs. Tb would be better served with ideas that have long-term sustainability and growth. Furthermore, the residents of TB can not be assured that politican will make decisions that safeguard their interest since everyone knows that politicians usually best serve themselves with not much regard for the citizens.
I hope that people in Treasure Beach will make decisions that are in there best interest economically and culturally.

I think "Itching To Know" is asking the right question: what would they be walling in or walling out? Like "Hooked On TB", I too would like someday fi go back a yard and it toubles me to no ends to see this talk of a gated community. This seems to be a feeler by someone looking to check the pulse of the people to see how we feel about this issue. Don't be tricked by this Trojan Horse my beloved people. Just look at the plight of the fishermen who are trying to get their day in court. You give up a little bit to a gated community today and what will it be tomorrow? "Hooked On TB" has some great ideas, some of which I've been thinking of lately. For example, if we were to check the ingredients of most brands of shampoo, soap, or lotions, we would notice things like jojoba and aloe vera. These are types of vegetation that could(and do) great in the semi arid environment of the TB area. Come on folks, get real. A Gated Community??!!!!

I think this is pure nonsense, no one is doing this, people find something positive to talk about! gated community and all this nonse. If you are ligit put your phone # the above person could have used his time more valuable.

How about keeping them goats inside the gates?

I agree with Canada,people are sitting and wasting time responding to someone who is trying to make a fool of them .I was born and raise in Treasuse Beach there is no land space for such a project."PEOPLE",please get real.

Turey thank you that would cause less problems with neighbours.

Yes Turey, I agree wid dat: keep the goats them inside and the hogs them outside!

Just to add - as an ecoarchitect (working for "responsible" building practices, particularly in undeveloped island environments) allowing a "gated community" in your area is a horrible idea economically (for natives - it will probably make lots of money for some wealthy investors). While Rebecca is correct that it would provide jobs during construction, what hasn't been considered is the inevitable increase in land prices. This has occurred all over the Caribbean and in South America (most recently in Belize and Costa Rica) - often the increase in land prices is so high, locals can no longer even remotely afford land, homes, or rent, which in the long run also increases poverty and homelessness. I strongly encourage you to maintain the small, resort-free environment I experienced in TB about 10 years ago. I think your community is a wonderful example of responsible tourism and minimal development of a precious coastal environment - please, for your own sake, don't change that by allowing wealthy businessmen to take advantage of the "cheap" (compared to the rest of coastal Jamaica land prices.

I think the idea is great because it will bring more income to the community. People you must understand that Treasure Beach is always going to be Treasure Beach. There is nothing wrong with an upgrade to the place, this will bring more work and money to our people. People you will still have your houses, and whoever wants to live in treasure Beach don't have to live in this gated community of condominiums you can still build your own house. I remember when some of us in TB didn't have electricity, now look at us we have Electricity, Televisions, Lots of Restaurants, and Hotels which makes our wonderful Treasure Beach fun and a hot spot for tourist. So far so good, so please don't be affraid of another change my people. ONE LOVE TO MY TB PEOPLE.

A gated community "WITH SECURITY"?!! Against whom or what does one needs security in TB? I live in Kingston and i know what "with security" means. Kingston has a serious crime problem so "with security" is a big plus something you pay for in the final house price and it also assumes there is A CRIME PROBLEM" or the need to wall one self off from the rest of the world. "with security" makes me think of someone peering out in fear from behind something.one needs security and privacy in TB but the people in TB have been securing themselves very well from ever since without living ... "gated with security". I know one has to be realistic about economic development in TB and there is real hardship, at times, behind or alongside the idylic and peaceful face of TB. But is fishing and farming dead in TB? No possibilities along the lines mentioned by "Hooked on TB" We have to be very careful and wary about developments that ratchet up land prices. i intend to live in TB but I really dont want an Ohie or Negril. The big challenge though is how ensure the continued economic development of TB without losing its beauty and charm and rusticness.

hello ecoguy -
i am searching for a eco architect - do you have any contact info you can post here, or a website?

I may be wrong with the prices, but I think the gated communities now being built near Silver Sands are offering land "starting at" (and we all know what that means) $40,000 for a 1/4-acre parcel NOT on the sea. If this hold true for the TB area, this does not make for affordable living for returning residents. And, except for the day laborer jobs, I would imagine the bulk of the work will go to crews brought in from Kingston and environs, as will the materials.