When I was first told about the Sports Park, I was intrigued. Then, the more I learned about it, the less I liked it. Even though changes to the original plan have been made, I continue to think the Sports Park is inappropriate for Treasure Beach. I believe it has the potential to be very detrimental to our community. (People who are aware of the scholarships Treasure Beach Foundation awards know I am for young people and have not made my decision about the Sports Park without very careful consideration.)

Over the last few years, I have made several posts on this Forum about the Sports Park, some using my name and others using aliases. Some of my posts have been printed and some have not. (I am not blaming TB.net for this; it is a private forum, not a public blog, and the Webmasters have a perfect right to reject anything they think does not meet their guidelines.)
The Sports Park now seems to be much more of a reality than a concept. The actual construction of the Sports Park seems to be growing closer and closer.

Because of this, I believe if there is no organized opposition, the Sports Park will become a reality, no matter how much I and others who agree with me talk about it. Those who feel the way I do probably agree this is the time for action, not talk. If we don’t act, we’ll continue to talk—to ourselves.

I am therefore requesting anyone opposed to the Sports Park to contact me ASAP by sending me an email. Please do so only if you are willing to provide your full name, postal mailing address, email address, and telephone number. If we get enough people, and if enough people are willing to do something (as opposed to only providing their contact information), we will work together to see what can be done.

Please know I am doing this as a private citizen and a member of the “extended” Treasure Beach community, not as a representative of Treasure Beach Foundation. (Under U.S. IRS regulations, Treasure Beach Foundation is not allowed to engage in any political or lobbying activities.)

Karen S. Kennedy
karenskennedy@earthlink.net

You have a lot of guts, Miss Kennedy, and I admire you for being willing to state your views in public.

This should separate the big TALKERS from the people who are willing to DO something to save our community.

Let's see who is brave enough to contact you. I will be doing so.

Thank you Karen for your willingness to spearhead opposition to the Sports Park. I hope you get a big response from everyone who shares your views. I am not against sports, nor would I want to totally eliminate the football field or other playing areas for the local youth. But I will send in my name to Karen because as I see it, the problem is that BREDS will probably present a very scaled-down, pastoral, lovely and wonderful sugar coated plan for the park at the meeting, and perhaps even say that sound systems and big venue night-time events will never take place. This will appease all who are nervous and everyone will leave the meeting saying "Oh, that's not so bad". But what GUARANTEE will the residents and friends of Treasure Beach have that things won't change in the future in order to raise funds to pay for all the upkeep, water, garbage collection, salaries, light bills, etc. that will have to be paid??? The residents of Treasure Beach deserve to have some sort of guarantee from BREDS that the scope of the project they present will not gradually change into a monster stadium with big bashments and all the crime, traffic, noise and pollution that will result.

Thank you Miss Kennedy. I would be curious to know how many people contact you on this.

Ok, now we're cooking.

Karen Kennedy - who remembers the days of VietNam, knows how to organize, how to effect change. Knows how democracy works (or should work).

Karen is right: preaching to the choir (so to speak),while comforting, does not get the job done. There's a point where action is necessary.

There seems to be concensus that the time for action is upon us. I think this could be a dual-pronged front:

1. Do as Karen asks: Send her our names and real email addresses. If the people in TB are wary about making their objections to the stadium, we can respect their concerns about possible job loss or retaliation. Though as we have heard often, "there's nothing to fear but fear itself." (Consider the demonstrations in the streets of Iran right now, protesting the election results. The Iranians have gone beyond fearing, though they are in danger for their lives.)

2. Print out all the posts on this site - anonymous or nonymous :-), and bring that printout to the meeting. Choose among you an articulate person willing to read those posts, one after the other...a kind of blitz of people's "concerns and thoughts" which BREDS says it wants to hear. After all, it could be that BREDS may have missed some of the posts.

And yes, all this done with dignity, and yes,with respect, but also with force, clear focus and purpose, and a refusal to be intimidated, mollified or falsely reassured.

May no one fall for the argument that the stadium is good for the children. As others on this site have said, What would be good for the children of TB, and for all in TB, for the future of TB, would be more education, a health clinic, more workshops like what Diana McCauley recently held.

On February 15, 1898, there was a big explosion on the U.S. battleship, The Maine, at anchor in the Cuban harbor, Havana. The cause of the explosion remains a mystery to this day, but it was used as the excuse for the U.S. to start the Spanish-American War. The battle cry became "Remember the Maine!"

This historical tidbit really has nothing to do with the protest against the Stadium, but the battle cry now translates and reverberates in my head as:

REMEMBER THE CANAL!

Of course, we all know the canal might be a mere skirmish compared to the battle about the stadium.

Yet, what lessons we have learned from that first skirmish!

Cheers to Karen Kennedy!

This kind of action is just what JET was recommending at the workshop. JET can not do this for Treasure Beach. The people who live here have to get involved - without fear - because it is the people who live here who will have to live with the reality of this action. We can't retreat to a home in the hills when the traffic and noise get to us.
I think a small, community focused park in the area makes sense but that is not what this is. It is a way to further an individual's goals on the back of little Treasure Beach. I say - enough of this and will sign the petition.

I'll do my best to rally some support down here in Florida. I fully support the youth and the community's Passion for sports but a park of this magnitude will be expensive to maintain which will certainly lead to frequent and very huge events to generate the revenue to pay for the operating overheads.

I strongly believe the idea is great but not feasible and right for a eco tourism community like Treasure Beach which cannot afford to lose the peaceful uncongested lifestyle it now offers.

I think something of a smaller scale that can facilitate the youths need for sports that will not jeopardize the communities peace and safety will certainly be welcome by me but nothing of this magnitude.

I can appreciate Breds vision but i think this is right idea but the wrong place.

I did it. I was reluctant but I knew if I didn't I would have no one to blame except myself. I didn't know how to stop the Canal. At least I can try to stop this.

Wow -- a lot of people are contacting me. That's excellent.

Someone asked about why they need to provide their email address, phone number, and so forth. Here's why ...

* No, I do not intend to publish a list with your personal contact info.

* No, I do not intend to present a list of your personal info to BREDS.

* Yes, I need a way to contact you for several reasons -- to solicit ideas from you; to keep you up-to-date on what's happening; and to ask for your assistance doing things. Please do not think this is a one-person effort. I will need help from anyone who cares about the future of Treasure Beach: residents, tourists, villa owners; guest house owners; restaurant owners; business people; and more.

* I will not be making frequent posts on this Forum about what progress we are making. Those who care to join in this effort will be kept informed.

Please understand this is not a vendetta against any one person. This is something I am doing because I believe the Sports Park is wrong for Treasure Beach. I do want things that are beneficial for most everyone, not merely for a some people.

So, if you agree with me (in general, not exactly), I urge you to add your name to the growing list. Together, I hope we can make an impact. Separately, we will just continue to be frustrated and upset.

Excellent, Karen!

Can think of no one better to organize this charge.

And many thanks for clarifying that petitioners' contact information will not be used for dissemination. Having that assurance, others will surely be encouraged to sign the petition.

O happy day, o happy happy day! And a day spent grinning from ear to ear. :-)

I find it very distasteful that an American woman who is admittedly a longstanding visitor, but still a VISITOR, to Billy's Bay, someone who profits from having a business there, would have the insensitivity and the nerve to get involved in local politics like this.

I don't care how many years a person has been enjoying the area or how much good work she does (and she does), she is still an outsider and has no understanding of how typical North American it is to meddle in local affairs like this.

I would sign my name but frankly I do not want to get on anybody's out-of-favor list.

To Someone Who Knows His Place: If the Sports Park becomes a reality, I wonder if your "place" will still be Treasure Beach. Or will you look to find another place that is quiet and not overrun with people coming in for loud night entertainment?

If someone from Treasure Beach stepped up to the plate and was collecting names, it would not have been necessary for any "outsider" to do this. You say YOU do not want to get on any out-of-favor list. Think how much worse it could be if you LIVED in Treasure Beach. Stop and think WHY this effort may not have been started in Treasure Beach.

You can't possibly think all the people in Treasure Beach are in favor of the Sports Park and the only people opposed are outsiders.

I guess you all want treasure beach to remain DEAD cause thats what it is. you can find anything to do in treasure beach its BORING. Now you all want to stop this wonderful idea. thats just crazy

This Sports Complex will be so bad, it will make the canal seem like 'no problem' in comparison to it.

You are only an outsider if noone invites you in and welcome you in. I can tell you most certainly that she is invited and most certainly welcome to act in our best interest.

Frankly, i am alot offended by your comments (someone who knows his place). I was born and raised in Billys Bay and i now reside in the States and now i visit Treasure Beach as often as i can but i would hope no one dare to call me a visitor. It maybe what i do but it is certainly not what i am and i dont see how my circumstance differs from hers.

The American woman of which you speak is certainly not an outsider. An outsider in this case is the person who chooses not to act in the best interest of this community.

"Home is where the Heart is" You don't have to ask where her heart is; Over Twenty years ago it was to look into the eyes of a young boy who had dreams but lack the means and with her heart of compassion provided her help; She would go on to do the same for so many more to whom she had no obligations except for the care and love in her heart for the people of Treasure Beach.

Maybe she should have remain an outsider as you put it during the aftermath of the Hurricanes a couple years ago but instead she responded with relief for the devastated locals. She did not do it as an outsider she did it because those people are not just friends and acquaintances, they are family in her eyes.

If we regard her as an insider only when we need support for the children but exclude her on other issues affecting all of us including her then we are ungrateful and unappreciative.

i don't mean to offend anyone but i am compel to set the record straight that Karen Kennedy is one of us and it would be very sad if after all she has done in this community we still choose to treat her like an outsider.

Thank you and God Bless You.

I find it distasteful that you did not sign your name. I find it distasteful you are criticizing someone who has the "nerve" to get involved in local politics such as collecting money for the ambulance, collecting money for the residents when they were hit by two major hurricanes, who has raised money to send so many children to school. On top of that, she has had the nerve to ask people to bring books and computers to the schools. What an insensitive meddler!!

NO to whatever they want to call it, something of a lesser volume ,for the youths in the communities,thank you Karen you/ve done alot for the community ,and will always be welcme to Treasure Beach .

I know several villa owners, and each has told me they make little if anything from their operations. One told me the only way they thought they’d ever see a profit is if they sold their villa. Another told me they were afraid they’d have to sell because they could not afford to keep pumping money into a business that loses so much every year. I don’t know if Mrs. Kennedy is profiting from her villa business, but whether or not she is, I think she would like to PROTECT that business. If she thought the sports park would HELP her business PROFIT, why would she be against it AS IT IS CURRENTLY PLANNED?

Seems "Someone who knows his place" is suggesting that Karen Kennedy doesn't know hers?

"Someone who knows his place" says on the one hand that Karen doesn't know hers (tell that to the people in TB who know her), but THEN he proceeds to say:

"I would sign my name but frankly I do not want to get on anybody's out-of-favor list."

Who is the "anybody" who might have an "out-of-favor list?" Does Someone know something we don't know?

Fear is a crippler; fear keeps people down. Fear keeps people from the justice to which they are entitled.

There was a movie some years ago, very popular in the U.S., called "Network." In the end, all the office workers lean out windows and shout it to the world: "We're mad as [heck] and we're not going to take it anymore!"

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all over come the devil, Fear?

To "someone who knows his place", were you born in Treasure Beach? I doubt. The person at the center of the sports park controversy, the same one you are lamely defending, was not borned or raised in Treasure Beach;I am born and bred. It is obvious that the person you are attacking has no ulterior motive in supporting the preservation of the way of life of the area as she has known it. My point is, and its a question, are you more concerned that Ms. Kennedy is not on your side or that she is not from the area? Either way, your message does not exemplify good citizenship. My view, the youths need a place to play and interact other than in the bars, but the area cannot handle what is being planned.

This idea of bulding a sport park, would be great for the youth of treasure beach more jobs and also for properties, owener like myself.

enough already!!!

Hey Idler your post is great and actually supports this opposition to the Sports Park!
To me, boring is exciting!
Exciting from your perspective...been there done that. Negril was where it was at for me from 1985-2000.
There are thousands of exciting places but not many that can be classified as boring.
Boring is what one creates in their own mind. A busy mind id never bored. As a visitor, I like it when the biggest decision I have to make all day is where and what to eat....

Idler -

Pray do tell us specifically what is so "BORING" about Treasure Beach? :-)

We visitors find TB anything but boring. It may be quiet, it may be laid back, it may not have enough big bars to suit some, but it sure ain't boring!
LOL

Thank you Mr. James and "Distasteful" for your responses to "Someone who knows his place." I am glad to hear that I'm not the only person troubled by that post.

Karen Kennedy's work in and for Treasure Beach is exemplary. Her efforts now to address concerns about the sports park are equally important. I have been hoping to hear that someone was organizing a response to the issues presented by the sports park, waiting to hear of someone stepping up and now, thank goodness, Mrs. Kennedy has. That such an effort would be characterized as 'insensitive' and typical of 'North American meddling' is shocking and offensive.

One of the things I have always liked and respected about Treasure Beach is the way that no one is made to feel like an outsider. I was welcomed into the community like a returning family member from my first visit, and have been welcomed back just as warmly every time. I wonder if the limited help I've been able to offer to TBWG has been considered 'North American meddling.'

"Someone who knows his place," you made me curious about something: You chide Mrs. Kennedy for getting involved in 'local politics.' Is the construction of a sports facility political? Is there more to this picture than we've considered before now?

One of the above writers seemed to be seeing through narrow lens by saying that Karen Kennedy should not be a part of the whole saga with the Sports Club as she is an outsider.
A number of questions come to mind as well.
1. Wouldn't Eric and Rebecca be considered outsiders then - and if so - we would not even be able to know what the writer was thinking about anyone being an outsider as this web site would not have existed.
2. My next ultimate point is that Jesus was born in Bethlehem but is Lord of the whole world. We would not dare consider him an outsider to Treasure Beach! Most certainly not! What if he only was Lord of Bethlehem? God forbid!
3. I am living in a foreign country outside of TBeach and want the same opportunities as the natives here and to make my contributions in whatever way. No way I am an outsider.
I could go on and on. Let's welcome all the outsiders to TBeach who want to make positive contributions so that they may be a part of us and let's drop off the stigma.

I rest my case.

You, sir, have a lot in common with the people of Treasure Beach. They ALSO “know their place”. I doubt many residents of Treasure Beach feel there will be no consequences whatsoever from the person behind such highly controversial ventures as the seaplane and the sports complex WHO ALSO HAPPENS TO BE the very largest employer in Treasure Beach (approximately 150 employees).

This fear may be completely unjustified, but I wonder how may of them will risk being fired. I wonder how many of their friends and relatives are willing to take such a big risk. All they have to lose is their income, their ability to put food on the table, their ability to send their children to school.

Would YOU risk that, sir? Or might you feel compelled to stay in your place if you lived in Treasure Beach?

Miss Kennedy, are you 100% against the Sports Park? I would be willing to sign on with your effort, but I would like to see some place for our youth to do sports. I do not like many things about the present plan, but I do not want to say no to everything because our kids need a place to go to keep off the streets.

The residents of Treasure Beach know their place too. Not too many years ago, many of them were even afraid to exercise their right to vote in a national election.

Could it be a coincidence they fear confronting the “Big Man” in a place where the Plantation Mentality is sadly alive and well?

Can I just ask what exactly is going to be within this Sports Park, and what, if known, is going to be the entrance fee? Most sports grounds/parks etc are used/supplemented by schools, specifically senior ones, but this is too far away from any to be of use unless bused in. Everyone loves football and would love somewhere to practice and us supporters to be able to sit in the shade but how much is it going to cost to use this Sports Park? No good having a sports place for the community if not many have the money to use it.

Know your place if what am getting from your message is that people is afraid to take a side because they are afraid of losing their job. Well that is totally and utterly a foolish comment knowing the kind of person that employ over 150 people as you stated would never fire a person who vote against the idea of the sport park.

Pffft. C'mon folks. Separate the good deeds done by the American woman from the issue of organizing protest against the Sports Complex. Everyone recognizes the good work done. I did in my first post.

But my point is that organizing civil protest against a community project propels this person into the realm of local politics. In my opinion, that's over-stepping. And in answer to one of the posts to the question "Is the Sports complex political?", I reply, "Yes. Most certainly."

I was born and raised in TB for what it's worth. And it galls me when I see "English' people indulge in glory-seeking activities. There are hundreds of visitors to TB who do as much if not more than the American Foundation, they just don't grab publicity from it. I'm always offended when I go to that website to make my annual donation and I see the words"We don't give handouts". It's like a slap in the face to the many many people who give everything from money transfers to bulging suitcases of clothes, books, sports equipment, shoes, whatever. The holier-than-thou attitude is a real turn off. To me anyway and like all of you, I am entitled to an opinion, even if it runs against the "Ohh thank you for everything you've done for us" mentality here.

Just another attention-seeking initiative, backed up by a commendable record of involvement with the community. But this time, this action - the protest led by a visitor- is inappropriate.

Leading TB residents around by the hand is an insult to the many people of TB who are quite capable of handling the issue in their own ways.

This will be my last post on the subject.

Thank you for asking me to clarify the opposition to the Sports Park. Because I did not do so, some people feel we are against any type of Sports Park. That is not true. However, it is my own mistake for not being more specific.

We are in favor of:
• A place for the youth of Treasure Beach to play sports such as cricket, football, and netball. (Other things such as a track for running and similar sports might also be appropriate.)
• A place for the residents of Treasure Beach to have picnics.
• A place where small-scale community activities (such as Market Days) could be held.
• A Health Center.
• A Community Center.

We are opposed to:
• A place that is out-of-scale for a small residential community such as Treasure Beach; this means it should not be a place that is, for instance, fashioned after the Alpart Sports Club in Nain.
• A place for nighttime activities such as concerts.
• A place that will attract undesirable persons who may commit crimes against people or property.
• A place that will infringe on the peace and quiet to which residents are entitled.
• A place that is unsafe in any way; this includes the necessity for proper road systems for motor vehicles both in and out of the Park.
• A place that will be harmful to the environment in any way.

In addition, we believe the residents and stakeholders in the community are entitled to:
• Written guarantees by BREDS assuring a list of standards (agreed upon by the community) will be maintained and enforced. There should also be specific penalties placed upon BREDS and its Directors if any of these standards are violated; these should be backed by adequate bank deposits or surety bonds.
• A specific time table of construction.
• An explanation of exactly where the funds to construct and maintain the Park will come from. (One important objection raised is this Park will not be able to be self-supporting unless nighttime activities are held; we tend to agree with this. Also, merely saying “donations” is too vague.)
• A clear understanding—in advance of construction—of any admission and usage fees that will be charged.
• A clear understanding of exactly who will manage the Park.
• Positive, written assurances from both JET and NEPA that this Park will be beneficial for the area.

Please know that the above lists are not written in stone. I continue to get suggestions from people, and I am doing my best to incorporate them into our thinking.

I think Miss Kennedy would be glad to respond to "Someone who knows his place" if he merely wrote directly to her. She answered my email quite promptly. She is unafraid to post her contact information here.

Ah yes, glory seeking activities ... such as posting press releases full of personal and professional achievements here on the Forum. Now I understand. Thank you for instructing me how not to insult the fine people of Treasure Beach.

Sir, your opinion counts and your opinion is important. It is also good to know you make an annual contribution to the "American Fund" because it ends up doing much good in the place in which you were born and raised.

You are entirely correct in stating the “American Fund” (more properly known as Treasure Beach Foundation) does not give handouts. The scholarships they award are based upon merit. The building materials they provide after a hurricane are based upon the severity of damage coupled with the occupants’ ability (more properly inability) to handle the devastation.

What you fail to note, presumably because you are unaware of the UNPUBLICIZED facts, are the very quiet “handouts” this woman has made in the community for more than 20 years. These range from medical supplies to clothing to books to flower seeds to food to money, all from her personal funds. As someone who has stayed in her villa, I can tell you that I and every other guest are strongly encouraged to take as much as possible to Treasure Beach and HAND IT OUT.

Attacking the person trying to organize public opinion instead of attacking the opinion itself is a traditional method for discrediting ideas when the ideas may threaten the status quo, and a low method at that.

The TB community has the right -- the obligation -- to make dissenting opinions known on matters of public interest -- the Sports Park, the Canal, the Festival, the police academy, community tourism, you name it.

What difference does it make who organizes, so long as the effort is transparent and honest? This isn't about Ms. Kennedy or about Mr. Henzell; it's about a development scheme that may or may not be good for the community. The more voices heard the better.

Treasure Beach should make its viewpoint heard in this forum and in any other available. After all, "there's no free press unless you have one." And finally, to say that Ms. Kennedy has no right to her opinion and no right to seek to organize on the issues of the sports park is, frankly, absurd.

For now, folks, just don't lose focus. It's enough for now to stay focused on letting BREDS know that this plan is totally unacceptable, and that you will not be distracted, waylaid, or exhausted by having to come up with more acceptable uses for that land, or any land, right now. We need not do that now; need not keep explaining how we aren't against this, or that, or some reasonable alternative. Plenty of time for that later. For now, only one thing is important: halting that BREDS plan. nip it in the bud, before so much as the first concrete block gets put in place, before an ounce of asphalt is laid down on parking lots, etc.

Keep things simple. Gather names, as Karen Kennedy is doing. Do the same in TB, for those who aren't online. Have a list easily gotten by email, and then a list of objectors on the ground in TB. It would be good if the the two petitions could be coordinated: same language at the top. Simple, brief, succinct, to the point.

And no more - as someone shrewdly said, above - no more plantation mentality.

I am puzzled: "Someone who knows his place" seems to be implying in his first post above - i.e. that he doesn't seem to think the Stadium is such a bad idea (reinforcing that thought by telling Karen Kennedy to butt out). If he isn't one of those who would sign his real name to a petition, for fear of being on the outs with - who? Breds? - then why not just say he is for the Stadium? no one would have him on his outs list then.

And to "Someone's" objection to people who don't live within the boundaries of TB "butting in," well, Martin Luther King "butted in" on various local scenes during the Civil Rights struggle, far from his home in Georgia (if i have his home state correct). And Bob Marley went beyond his local or even national neighborhood to spread the word of peace and justice and love, to address political issues. And hey, what's with the "English" stuff? Karen Kennedy is American.

Get up, stand up

Get up, stand up: stand up for your rights!
Get up, stand up: stand up for your rights!
Get up, stand up: stand up for your rights!
Get up, stand up: don't give up the fight!

Preacherman, don't tell me,
Heaven is under the earth.
I know you don't know
What life is really worth.
It's not all that glitters is gold;
'Alf the story has never been told:
So now you see the light, eh!
Stand up for your rights. Come on!

Get up, stand up: stand up for your rights!
Get up, stand up: don't give up the fight!
Get up, stand up: stand up for your rights!
Get up, stand up: don't give up the fight!

Most people think,
Great God will come from the skies,
Take away everything
And make everybody feel high.
But if you know what life is worth,
You will look for yours on earth:
And now you see the light,
You stand up for your rights. Jah!

Get up, stand up! (Jah, Jah!)
Stand up for your rights! (Oh-hoo!)
Get up, stand up! (Get up, stand up!)
Don't give up the fight! (Life is your right!)
Get up, stand up! (So we can't give up the fight!)
Stand up for your rights! (Lord, Lord!)
Get up, stand up! (Keep on struggling on!)
Don't give up the fight! (Yeah!)

We sick an' tired of-a your ism-skism game -
Dyin' 'n' goin' to heaven in-a Jesus' name, Lord.
We know when we understand:
Almighty God is a living man.
You can fool some people sometimes,
But you can't fool all the people all the time.
So now we see the light (What you gonna do?),
We gonna stand up for our rights! (Yeah, yeah, yeah!)

So you better:
Get up, stand up! (In the morning! Git it up!)
Stand up for your rights! (Stand up for our rights!)
Get up, stand up!
Don't give up the fight! (Don't give it up, don't give it up!)
Get up, stand up! (Get up, stand up!)
Stand up for your rights! (Get up, stand up!)
Get up, stand up! ( ... )
Don't give up the fight! (Get up, stand up!)
Get up, stand up! ( ... )
Stand up for your rights!
Get up, stand up!
Don't give up the fight!

Perfect, the Marley lyrics.

Earlier, I pointed readers to the Bill Moyers Journal that ran last night on public TV stations
(PBS - Public Broadcasting System), to hear all about the "Market women" of Liberia and how they stopped a war they were in the middle of.

The women of the marketplace call it "walking" with one another. Same as Bob Marley's "standing up."

This lively conversation about the stadium and other matters of concern to the people of TB is fantastic - and uplifting.

Thanks to the webmaster, who must be pulling his hair out right now, wondering if he'll ever have time to eat or sleep again.

Big Up to the webmaster!

Get up, stand up: stand up for your rights! This is a perfect song to be played as people come in to the sports park meeting.

Could you please tell us how many names have been collected.

Whats so wrong with a sport park it would be definetly nice to have somewhere to go to for a change and watch a game and enjoy one self.why is everybody so agaisnt it.

I hear Idler and Annoying People. Many of us enjoy the quite and rest offered in most parts of TB, those that do not live full time there may not appreciate what it is like for some that long for facilities that would enable sports and entertainment. The energetic young deserve some places to assemble and enjoy themselves apart from yard games and rocking out when sound systems are set up. Some energetic old too!

It is important to hear these voices and include them in any design choices. Remember Democracy.

I encourage these voices to speak up and indicate what kind of designs they envision. Some of us have expressed caution about disturbing natures design and creating ugly, noisy, intrusive and polluting, I do not recall any objecting to the appropriate and sensitive development of land aka Sustainable Development.

This is a challenge not only for TB but for everywhere. We now have a chance to explore forms that allow proper drainage, deal sensibly with sewage and 'garbage' (treasure for some), consider the effect of human load and the removal of plants and trees. Etc.

The canal dilema and the Sports Park design are both opportunities for us curious and clever primates who are part of the environment to serve our needs while respecting the rest of the natural order.

Best, turey, never idle sometimes annoying.

Miss McCawlay cannot attend the meeting. Miss Kennedy is presumably not in TB right now. Is anyone going to step up to the plate and read Miss Kennedy's list and Miss McCawlay's response to that list at the meeting?

It is very important the people of Treasure Beach hear these concerns. If not, I am afraid the meeting will turn into a well-orchestrated BREDS HappyFest where all they say is positive and they will pretend valid concerns have not been raised.

Everyone, I have decided to ignore my doc (wouldn't be the first time!) and come to the meeting re the sports park later. I needed a test as well and this can't be done until Friday. So I will be at the meeting and hope for a constructive one. Diana from JET

Take care, Ms. Diana, don't want you hurting your back any further! Thank you so much for caring enough about what's happening in TB to venture out against doctor's orders. I am sure I'm not the only one who appreciates your caring and concern. Wish I could be at the meeting tonight, too.

So wonderful, Miss McCawlay. I have just received my FOURTH email from Treasure Beach today saying how they were afraid no one was going to be there who had the courage to stand up for what is right. They know they should not be afraid to say what is on their minds but they are. Please also read Miss kennedy's words at the meeting so they can be a part of the official minutes.

May the Lord bless you.

Mrs. McCawley you have no idea how much it means for you to be at this meeting. I am not trying to be negative, but I hope the people of Treasure Beach know they cannot depend on you to solve all their problems. If they are too afraid to stand up for their rights, they will have to bear the consequences of their (in)actions.

When I see all the people in Iran speaking out for their rights when they are getting shot and slashed and killed and put in jail, I wonder if Jamaicans TRULY understand they are living in a country where they are free to express their views.

I am very pleased to let people know I have spoken to Tanya Parchment-Brown, a Director of BREDS (and Jake's accountant). She graciously said she would read the list of considerations (assembled from many contributors) at the meeting this evening -- or have someone else from BREDS read them.

I wish I could be there this evening. Someone please post a meeting report ASAP.

Karen, thank you for what you are doing on behalf of T/B. If I was back home, I would be attending the meeting myself. This makes me feel a little like my voice is being heard.

As they say -- oh to be a fly on the wall. Is anyone bringing a tape recorder?

Thank you, Diana.
You show great courage, dedication, and loyalty - both professionally and personally.

Got a call early this morning. Sounded like the meeting didn't go so well. Friend told me BREDS was more into telling how things WOULD be rather than soliciting concerns from the attendees. Is this true?

See Diana's report on the meeting.

-TBNet

Which BREDS person read Karen Kennedy's list?

None of them. I guess they conveniently forgot.

How convenient.

If you are against the sports park in any way, if you have suggestions to improve it, if you have concerns: We do not need or want your opinion. You are branded as an outsider, a meddler.

If you are for it, no matter if there are aspects which you think could be improved, no matter if you have suggestions, keep quiet or you may be called someone who is against the youth.

Well, I have managed to keep my mouth shut for a good long while, but as my friends will attest to, I can only do it for so long. So here goes.

I had hoped BREDS would have posted the minutes of the meeting held Monday night, but as I do not see the minutes yet, I will make some comments on the notes I took during the meeting.

In reading the comments on this website and hearing the views of folks in the community it has more than once been said this is becoming a political issue. In a way I agree with that. It, unfortunately, has become a political issue. But unlike government politics at the end of all of this there will be no election or vote. The Sports Park is going to happen. BREDS has a 50 year lease with the government for 15 acres of land and the Sports Park is what they are planning to develop on those 15 acres.

So the way I see it, that leaves all of us with a few choices. For those in favor of the park, it is a great idea and gives many reasons to rejoice. For those opposed to the park, you can continue to fight against it, but (as I see it) those energies would be wasted and will continue to create negativity and further divide the community. I’m not sure who said it, but I love the statement, “You can either be part of the problem or part of the solution.”

Many concerns regarding the park brought up on this site were discussed at the meeting. Among those were the following along with the answers given:

Noise: The noise will be from cheering fans. There will be no dances or large concerts. This will not be a music venue.

Seating Capacity: It is currently undetermined. However, they are not looking at bleachers but at removable low level seating. Their vision is thatched roofs providing shade and folks sitting in removable chairs, etc. This will promote the idea of a park atmosphere.

Environmental Concerns: BREDS has invited Diana McCauley to give her advice and input on the various environmental concerns from type of fertilizer to use to water and drainage issues.

Transparency: BREDS is updating their website. It should be complete within 2 months. BREDS has committed to posting the minutes of their monthly meetings and their accounts on that website. In addition, they will hold a public meeting once every 3 months to discuss BREDS projects.

Rules of the Park: There will be a committee formed which will oversee the rules of the park and will vet out anyone interested in renting the park. Anyone renting out space at the park will sign a contract and must adhere to the rules or they will be reprimanded.

Park Hours: On an average day, the park will close at sunset.

There was much more discussed, but I am still hoping we will see minutes of the meeting published here. What I have tried to do is hit on what seems to be the biggest issues for many.

Something else that was discussed in the meeting and Ms. McCauley mentioned in her post was the plans for the completion of the park. This is not all going to happen at once. There is a 4 phase plan which they assume will take up to 7 years for completion. They are committed to completing each phase before progressing to the next.

BREDS admitted there are many details that have not been worked out. Business plans, cost analysis, environmental plans, etc. are still in the works. They are very clear in the fact that this is a work in progress. They are open to suggestions and constructive criticisms and right now it looks like there will be plenty of time to make these suggestions.

So, how do I see it? What is my opinion? Well, I do feel people have been heard and from when this concept was originally discussed until now, the scope of the project has been scaled way down. I absolutely felt in the meeting on Monday night the commitment to not having this be a venue for large events of any kind, especially music events. We were told in no uncertain terms that BREDS is made up of a board of members. Not just one person can make a decision. The entire board has to vote on decisions. The board has sworn their commitment to enhancing Treasure Beach and making this park a positive addition to our community. They have also committed to being more transparent and improving communications.

I don’t think anyone would disagree with offering a place for the youth to congregate in a positive way through sports. I think if we look at it both parties whether opposed or in favor have this in common. Both parties whether opposed or in favor share a passion for keeping Treasure Beach the community we all cherish.

Yes, there were statements made in the meeting which I was not too pleased about and felt them deeply. I do not have any children of my own and absolutely believe I do not need to have children to love and care about the children of Treasure Beach. I do not own land here, but hope to one day. I was not born here, but have chosen to make this my home and I promise you I am fully committed to working together with everyone – whether I agree with them on every point or not – to making this a better community for generations to come. Furthermore, I believe we all have a right for our opinions to be heard. This website will continue to post all opinions whether Eric and I agree with them or not as long as they are presented in a respectful way and do not add to the negativity already present. Positive vibes, positive Treasure Beach, positive Jamaica.

In closing, whether we are an “insider”, “outsider”, or “upside downer” we each have the power to work together to make this sports park a positive addition to Treasure Beach. Let’s as a united community concentrate on the positive that may come from this (playground for the children, quality sports fields and courts for the youth to play on, training facilities, walking trail, community center, etc.). And if you have deep concerns regarding the negative, join the committee so your voice will be heard, offer your assistance to JET to help with the environmental study, help to investigate ways to fund the sustainability of the park so it will not need to be rented out so much, or whatever you can do to work towards the common goal of improving Treasure Beach. We each hold the power to either make or break this project. My opinion is this is a great community and once we all unite and even agree to disagree over certain issues we all share the common love for Treasure Beach and when working together there is nothing we can’t accomplish.

Thank you for reading this, as by doing so you have heard my opinion which is all I ask.

Brilliantly said Rebecca! I too wish the residents and youth of Treasure Beach a fantastic environmentally safe sports park that doesn't infringe upon the peace and nature of Treasure Beach.

Rebecca needs to be commended on her even-handed comments about the sports park meeting. I have posted about the meeting - especially about the "polarizing" remarks of some addressing the group and they were not posted - too negative I guess. But that part of this discussion is VERY negative. I think a lot of good ideas are in this plan but there is also a lot of possible development problems and if there aren't some people to look out for the environment, among other things, this could be a major disaster for the area. The canal is a case in point - the community needs to take an active interest - whether they own land, are born here, have children or whatever criteria BREDS wants to put on people's involvement. If the people had stopped the draining of the morass in Negril or stopped some of the dangerous development on the North Coast Jamaica would be a better place and I don't think anyone should be deterred from speaking their mind about the BREDS Sports Complex.

Two MONTHS to update their website? It can easily be updated in two DAYS.

You expected meeting NOTES here from BREDS? Well I did too. They seem to use this forum only to post meeting NOTICES.

BREDS, if you are going to be running this Sports Park, something that seems to be a done deal, you need to respond to people a lot sooner and a lot more completely. You have a STAFF and all you have to do is to assign someone to handle these important communications.

I appreciate you taking the time to post your thoughts, Rebecca. Especially since you go out of your way to remain unbiased. Many of us who do not know you think you have no opinions. You do have opinions, but you feel the Forum is not the place to say them.

I admire all you do to keep us informed each and every day, even when there is a hurricane.

Yes, Rebecca, YOUR VOICE COUNTS. Whose business is it if you rent instead of owning? Whose business is it if you do not have children? (The person in charge of BREDS did not have any children when the Sports Park land was leased, but HIS VOICE COUNTED.)

I would like to add, and I know this from corresponding with Karen, she is NOT against the Sports Park. She is NOT against the youth of the community. She is FOR making the Sports Park something that will fit into Treasure Beach without changing the character of it, without doing harm to it. If Jason would take the time to talk to her, he would understand that. They are both on the SAME SIDE.
For your information, she has children. She owns land in TB. But I guess since she does not live there, some people think her voice does not count any more than yours does.

I suggest people write to Karen to see what it is all about. It is not about fighting. It is not about politics. It is about making TB better for everybody.

Will the posters who have contributed to this thread, and so passionately, all along, be permitted to take respectful issue with some of Rebecca's points about the stadium?

Bless you, Rebecca. You are an amazing woman.

I am appalled that it was implied your input does not count because you do not have children or own land. You live in TB, you are a Jamaican citizen, and you work tirelessly for the good of the community. WHAT MORE DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DO TO "PROVE" THEIR VOICE SHOULD BE HEARD

I have seen so much of what you do for the community (in addition to running TB.net - and I know this could not be an easy thing to do), and I am sure there is much more you do we know nothing about because you choose not to publicize your good deeds. I have seen you take your personal money (not donations) and buy food for people in need. I have seen you take people to the doctor and to the hospital. I have seen you take someone in to where you live because they needed some special attention and care. I have seen the photos you take and post to let us all know what is happening. I have seen you go to someones home because there was a death or serious illness and you wanted them to know you were there to support them.

How very wrong AND hurtful it is for BREDS to suggest you do not count.

Shame on you BREDS.

To set the record straight, I am not against the Sports Park. I—and the people who have “signed on” with me—are against unsafe conditions, noise pollution, environmental pollution, and the introduction of more crime into Treasure Beach.

We are most definitely for a place for youth to engage in sports, a community center, a health center, and a place that welcomes all members of the community.

We wish to work with BREDS, not against BREDS.

We are not outsiders. We are not the enemy. We are not afraid to express our thoughts—and believe we have the right to do so, as long as we are respectful. We are people who deeply care about our community.

The minutes for the Sports Park meeting will be posted tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for your patience.

Did the members of the Treasure Beach United bring THEIR children to the sports park meeting? Or are they exempt because they play sports? By that same reasoning, would an 8 year old who plays netball get a vote over someone like Rebecca who has no children?

I would like to see the list of who has a voice directly from BREDS.

I am sick of people being disrespected in the community.

Why will it take the official BREDS minutes so long to be posted? The meeting was on Monday, and the notes cannot be posted until Thursday? "Thanks for your patience" sounds like one of those announcements you hear at the airport when your plane is five hours late - and you want to scream but you can't do anything because it wouldn't matter anyway.

Do the notes have to be reconstructed because no one at BREDS took any? Do they have to be checked over to be sure each and every word is perfect? Do they need time to take out anything which might get someone upset?

This isn't a speech to Parliament. We are talking about simple meeting notes.

I really believe the scale of this sports park is one of the main issues and in my earlier posts i welcomed a park which is scaled to size that can be fairly and reasonable accomodated by the community of Treasure Beach.

I strongly believe that a park geared towards hosting big and possible high profile events would certainly be a changing point for Treasure Beach and not necessarily for the good.

There seems to be solid investments made so far into this project and would only hope that honest and genuine considerations have been given to the concerns of the opposers and that they will not be betrayed in the process and the aftermath.

I have been privilege to watch over the last ten years communities just like Treasure Beach in the sense of their peaceful unspoiled habitat become a breeding ground now for increase crime rates and downward spiral of unneighbourly existence that seems too fargone to redeem.

May we not have to lead a revolt to preserve what we cherish and to redeem what we have lost,but if we are challenged to continue our stand then our opposition must be prepared for the inevitable; A Revolution.

i must say that most of these people that works on the board of director for BREDS are all volunteers and have another life which most of then work so in my opinion if they say Thursday for the minute then i think we should respect their time.

It seems that Tamesha has taken the lead on posting messages from BREDS on this site. Is she a volunteer or a paid staff member? I don't know one way or the other and am not suggesting either. I'd just like to know for the record. Is she the person responsible for posting BREDS info here? Is it her job which solicited funds pays for?

That's one of the issues I have with the organization, the lack of information that's passed along to those in the community and those who have contributed funds in the past...a distinction which seems to have been made very clear by BREDS at the meeting.

It goes along with the point others have made about getting minutes posted. If they knew it wouldn't be until Thursday, wouldn't it have been possible to state that on Monday? That would have given us the (temporary) information we needed and would have negated the posts by those wondering where the minutes are.

I'll sign this simply,

Another BREDS Contributer Who's Lost Faith In Them

Re: the minutes. It seems appropriate to me that a non-profit works by a consent process where someone develops the minutes and then a certain number of board members must approve them before they are posted as the public voice of the organization. That said, BREDS needs to consider transparency on all levels. The Thursday posting message could have contained an explanation of the process so that there would be no reason to suspect anything about what actually seems like a speedy process to me.

Re: the Sports Park. I just spent a few days in New York where Manhattan has lots of lovely green spaces, none of which are usable by most people; they are padlocked, require membership, or fenced and barricaded to keep people off the grass. I am concerned about charging people to enter the sports park. When the government bought the land for the park, Jamaica people already paid for it, since the govt. got that money from taxes. I hope that a way is found to finance the park (including operating costs) that doesn't tax people twice. I feel that no one should be barred from the park because they don't have the admission fee; they already paid.

Another, Tamesha is the marketing person for Jakes. It is possible she is also being paid something by BREDS for doing work for them in addition to Jakes but I have no way of knowing that. I guess this is the point of your post.

I am very interested in seeing the line items when the financials come out. Financials list people's names and compensation. When people see the financials they can decide if they feel comfortable contributing.

Even if she is a volunteer, it does not make sense to me why the minutes were not posted quickly.

There are two types of minutes.

One is the Official Minutes which need to be approved by all the BOD members; these are very abbreviated and say only things such as "a vote was taken to appoint Mr. Name to the BOD, and it was passed unanimously"

The other are UNOFFICIAL Minutes. This is what people are seeking with respect to BREDS. This would be a list of who was there, what was discussed, and so forth - point by point. This needs NO BOD approval and can be issued quite quickly, assuming someone cares to do so.

I have seen the concerns about the posting of the minutes of the sports park meeting by BREDS and I think whether or not the people at BREDS are paid employees or volunteers, a week would not be an unusual time to get minutes posted after a meeting. Certainly they would have to be referred to other members of the board before being made public. JET's own rule is ten days. Both Rebecca and I have posted accounts of the meeting, so people who were not there do have an idea of what took place. I'd say let's conserve our energy for things other than this - if no minutes from BREDS in ten days, then by all means let's ask them what a gwaan.

Diana from JET

Thank you Diana, That is all i need to say

The minutes were promised this afternoon, so 10 days is unnecessary.

Please see minutes for BREDS meeting below. I would like it to be noted that this is the last minutes that will be posted on TB.Net, all other minutes (will only be from public sessions) will be posted on our website.
I am not paid by BREDS or is the other directors. I have two full time jobs, therefore I cannot post things immediately as you all would like.



Treasure Beach Sports Park Meeting
Monday June 22, 2009
5:00PM
AGENDA


1. Welcome Tamesha Dyght

2. Opening Prayer Tanya Parchment- Brown

3. Opening Remarks Tamesha Dyght

4. Presentation of the Plan Anthony Davis

5. Coach/ Referee Perspective Hughlett Dyght

6. Address of Issues/ Alternative idea/ sustainability Jason Henzell

7. Question & Answer / Comments Norma Moxam (Moderator)

8. Closing Remarks
John Batchelor

(Meeting to conclude by 7:00pm)

Issues

1. Noise
2. Roadway/ Access
3. Water
4. Environmental Concerns
5. Transparency
6. Manageability
7. Website Update
8. Fee structure for the park
9. Events/ Night-time activities
10. Sewage Treatment
11. Waste Disposal

Suggestions from the suggestion box at the Breds office:

1. Swimming Pool
2. Hotel
3. Night Club
4. Ducks on the pond- used as a means of relaxation when watching them.
5. Volley ball/ Netball
6. Beach Volley Ball
7. Hockey Court – to be more advanced and up to date with world sports overall.
8. Mini golf course
9. Yoga

Introduction

Specially invited guest, ladies & gentlemen, fellow directors, a pleasant good afternoon. Today we meet to discuss the plans for the Treasure Beach Sports Park. The idea of this Park was the brainchild of Darin James, a fellow Treasure Beach Citizen and a sporting enthusiast, who believes the youths need a common place for recreational activities. A piece of land was identified, deemed suitable and after negotiations, purchased by the Government and leased to Breds.
Who or what is Breds? Breds is the Treasure Beach Foundation that was formed in 1998 to promote education, healthcare, culture and sports in Treasure Beach. In keeping with our philosophy Breds is embarking on the development of the fifteen (15) acres of land leased to it to develop a first class Sports Park which will entail sporting activities for both the young and old. Over the years, there has been discussions, with the community however, we realize the need for more dialogue spurned from several comments both positive and negative. Today we hope to allay the misconceptions and together as a community ensure that the children of today, who are tomorrows future will be glad that this meeting was held and a resolution had, so they too may one day garner their skills in a particular area and at that time we will not have only Brenton Parchment (cricketer) and Tariq Parchment (football referee) as Treasure Beach's only sporting personalities. Tariq and Brenton both garnered the love of the games and the games within themselves at this humble institution Sandy Bank Primary School. Breds would love nothing more than to see other students from this school (Sandy Bank Primary) and other nearby schools excel and master every game that will be at Sports park. We had a suggestion box placed at the Breds ofc, and there were 31 suggestions in the box (some had more than one suggestion), 24 were for a swimming pool to be included in the plan and used for swim lessons.Other suggestions were a night club, a hotel, having the ducks on the pond for relaxation, beach volleyball, volleyball, hockey court and netball. Some of these are apart of the current plan, a pool and ducks on the pond is something we can explore but a hotel and nightclub is a NO NO!!!
Before I take my leave, I would like to introduce the Breds board:
Jason Henzell- Chairman
Norma Moxam- Vice Chairman
Tanya Parchment- Brown
Dennis Abrahams
Oneil James
Moreen Powell
Silvan Walker
John Batchelor
Laura Henzell
Zane Ebanks
Tamesha Dyght.

Mr. Anthony Davis, a member of the development committee, presented the plans to the meeting. He expressed the desire to hear views from the audience. Talk of a sports academy will be done at a later date.
Mr. Hughlet Dyght, a referee and coach- he reconfirmed experience as a national referee and welcomes the sport park which can be used by young and old. He emphasized that the facility will need good event management and management structure. He believes the Sports Park will benefit the community , unite the people, and provide employment. He expressed his full support to the project.
Mr. Dennis Abrahams- expressed the views that the facility will be good for the youths, and they could use up their energy positively in sports. He asked for community support with this project.
Jason Henzell- nothing good comes without a challenge and good things are worth fighting for. He asked the audience to deal with the issues and not the personalities. Currently the community is ‘torn apart’ by negative comments from people who are non residents, do not have children or have short residency. The issues are:
1. Noise – when a game is being played, there will be cheering. No concerts, No Rebel Salutes will not be held.
2. Road Access – there are two roads from Sandy Bank that leads to the Park, however one such road is now deemed private and the matter will be presented to the Parish Council to see if this is so, as when lands including that of the Sports Park was being sold it was not private and was an access road. The other entrances are via the lane at Mass Lancel and the one at Fishermen Bar – the solution would be to use one as entry and the other as exit.
3. Water – biggest challenge in Treasure Beach. He has written to Dr. Horace Chang, Jeremy Palmer and Dr. Chris Tufton about the inadequate supply. He states that the farmers need water, the hotels and villas need water and building needs water, however it is not fair to ask that it be turned off from one group to benefit another. As it relates to the Sports Park, there is a well that borders the premises and permission was given by the landowner to use the well. Samples of water from the well has been taken to test for brackishness or freshness. The test of the water will determine what grass type will be used at the park.
4. Environmental Concern – Main concerns will be A. Type of fertilizers to use. B. The type of sewage treatment system. C. Drainage D. The trees – due to the need for the pitch to be oriented North to South, given cricketers their own pitch, a lignum vitae tree was cut down. The field will now be leveled and a deeper pond provided.
5. Transparency – will be a result of quarterly meetings. Financials and quarterly public minutes will be published on our website once updated.
6. Manageability – a committee will be formed and will report to BREDS. A request was made for persons to volunteer to be apart of the committee, once you are a hard worker.
7. Website – will be updated in two months. ( We are currently redesigning the website and building a new site).
8. Fee Structure – there will be different fees for different areas and status, and depend on usage and type of facilities to be accessed.
9. Events/ Night time activities – no night time concerts.
10. Sewage Treatment – the park must be an example of responsibility and a proper and effective system for the park is being explored.
11. Waste Disposal – as above.

Suggestions from the box:
He said parents won’t allow children to go to the sea because of fear and the small children themselves are frightened by the crashing waves and create a fear of water, and as such the board is open minded about the suggestion of a swimming pool.

He asked the audience what else could this land have been used for? He stated that the land was brought by the Government for $10,000,000.00 Jamaican Dollars and leased to BREDS for 50 years at $50,000 per year for the first five years and $100,000 per year for the other 45 years. He said had it been bought by a developer to build houses,sewerage treatment problems would be similar to what it is now.

He said that Cookie Kinkead had suggested a market day where a cottage industry setting could be explored in that persons from the communities could sell their grater cake, fry fish, bammy and other locally produced products could be sold.

Question & Answer – Norma Moxam (Moderator)

Mrs. Moxam stated that BREDS is NOT Jason Henzell. She said how happy she was to see the older people in the community at the Easter Fair, and that the park would be ideal for exercising.

Q. Fee Schedule for children – would they pay?
A. Generally no, but there are times when not all facilities will be available.

Q. Big project- how will it be financed?
Funding will be sought from USAID, Sports Foundation, Corporate groups.

Q. Suppose the funding is not available?
The board is confident that there will be funding. Funding will determine stages of development.

Q. Has it been costed?
A. Yes US$2 Million

Q. Phasing over what period?
A. 5-7 years

Comment- Projects that affect the environment- its not correct to say some people don’t have a right to voice concern.

Q. Children with disabilities have not been mentioned. They need somewhere where they can go and feel safe and others won’t make fun of them.
A. A policy will be put in place to incorporate children with disability, so they can be included.

Comments: Swimming pool for swim lessons would be good. Walking trail must be safe for women. Would also love a self defence class for women.

Q. Will the field be used to host parish/ national fixtures?
A. Yes, as there is the Treasure Beach united team that plays in the Division 2 parish league. The field will be able to facilitate from grassroots to national level games. The development plan also takes in Sports for disabled.

Q. Is there a business plan?
A. Business plan has started. Funders will need to know whether it will be sustainable.

Comment – Like the idea of a 5-7 years development plan. Gradual growth rather than something big overnight.

It was said that the persons that play the games won’t talk in a meeting, as their talking is on the courts/ fields so if they supported the Sports Park they should raise their hands. Majority of the audience raised their hands.

Mrs. Moxam asked for support from the persons presently using the park to keep it safe and garbage free.

Q. Will persons still be able to use it for short cuts
A. Yes. After fencing gates will be in place so that persons can still access.

Q. Seating
A. There will be low level seating under thatch roofed areas.

Q. Parking
A. There will be parking for 96 cars in 4 different locations.

Q. Concern of renting to third parties.
A. There will be contracts for renting after an application is made and the person or company approved. Rules will be enforced as it relates to noise, excess traffic amongst other factors.

Presentation by Diana McCauley

Preservation of national resources – that is lost in many other areas of Jamaica.
Ms. McCauley said most of her concerns were addressed however she still had the following concerns:
1. Water Supply- Treasure Beach is essentially dry, but has many ponds. She said over exploitation of the aquafer could lead to invasion by sea water causing a mixture with the fresh water.
2. Drainage – should be checked as some drainage channels have been blocked. This must be looked at seriously. Water ways must be allowed to run their natural path.
3. She cautioned about importation of grass, as it can invade or destroy natural flora.
4. Sewerage should not affect marine environment.
5. Waste – there is no recycling facilities in Treasure Beach.

Thanks for the minutes. Looking forward to seeing the new Breds web site.

-TBNet

When Mr. Henzell has an opportunity, would he be so kind as to tell us who is welcomed to have input into what happens with the Sports Park and who is not? I have heard a lot of talk about input and criticism from outsiders not being welcomed; I have heard various definitions of what "outsiders" means.

I live outside of Treasure Beach but I spend nearly every cent of my vacation money there, and I have done so for years. I have, as much as I can afford, supported causes in Treasure Beach, including BREDS.

Please know I am looking for official words from Mr. Henzell, not someone who knows him or thinks they know what is in his head.

I am asking him this in public instead of calling him or sending him a text because I believe ALL readers of this forum deserve this answer, not only myself.

“Outsiders” have different motives for being in TB. Jason has his, Rebecca has hers, the hustler on the road has his, I have mine – all “outsiders”. In 1979 when I was looking around for a piece of land in TB, I was walking along the coast line in both directions, unhindered by houses built too close to the shore. I’m not sure if Frank Pringle’s cottage was there already; it is now Jack Sprat. Beyond there was a small peninsula – “Reynolds’ land” – fine golden grass, a grave, relatives of my wife.

Some “outsiders” came and are still coming for the quiet, laid back atmosphere, where you don’t get harassed when you walk on the beach, where you can leave your cottage open all day, if you are there or not, where people walking on the road greet each other if they know each other or not.

Some have not come back. It got too noisy. Nobody told them that they should always travel with earplugs of at least 32 decibel noise reduction. Some got robbed. I got harassed at night on Frenchman’s a couple weeks ago. As someone said earlier on this thread, more of the peace loving folks who come here to destress, replenish their energy by quietly doing nothing, reload their batteries, will not come back – to be replaced by whom???

There ARE low-impact alternatives for the Sports Complex/Entertainment Centre on the proposed site, which are compatible with a residential area, and which can be funded through various organisations and foundations (some have been posted by res on June 16). The Sports Complex/Entertainment Centre can be built on the outskirts of TB, as said earlier, e.g. at Pedro Cross, away from residences and small resorts, where there are less flooding and water supply issues, where there are good access roads and space for parking. The promoters have a lot of clout and are very well connected, it should therefore be quite easy for them to secure a piece of real estate suitable to their endeavour.

The people of Calabash and surrounding areas will be most affected by a Sports Complex/Entertainment Centre in their midst. Hasn’t it been said many times by many different people on this thread how they will be affected and by whom and by what? Are they aware of what is coming their way? The residents and small resort operators, and by extension their repeat visitors, have to decide, if they want this to happen or not.

The fact that some folks are now “sort of” endorsing what they and the promoters call a Sports Park, because they believe that it is a done deal, should not prevent the ones who are most affected from doing what they have a right to do: defend their peace and quiet, their livelihood, income and real estate.

PS: To the ones who say, this has become political: It has been political from the very beginning, it started because of politics. And to the happy news folks: Of course, we all want to talk about nice things that make us happy, but if you have a big threat in front of you, you have to deal with it. Such is life!

Yesterday, I spoke to two friends living in Treasure Beach. They have decided the Sports Park as it is now planned is a done deal. Their comments saddened me because they spoke in a way I would call “defeated.” They feel their heartfelt opinions do not count; they feel they have no vote; they feel they will be shunned if they make their views public. They feel the divisiveness that has already hit TB over this issue, splitting it apart to some extent. I suggested they contact Karen Kennedy to see if they could work with her to bring about more of a compromise. One said he would; the other wasn’t so sure. Both said they would very much prefer the Sports Park would be constructed in the vicinity of Pedro Cross but have been told if the Park is not built on the BREDS land, a housing scheme will be built there instead. They believe the Sports Park would be the lesser of two evils.

They are “insiders” but they feel like “outsiders.” How very unfortunate for this to happen to our beloved community.

All matters/issues have a political component. So let's not allow discussions to be squelched because of "political" being used in a pejorative sense. That is right up there with "be still, Outsiders."

I realize I post far too much on this stadium matter. But there is so much to be said about it all. I hope my post of yesterday, which I carefully thought out, will appear.

There seems to be a great deal of enthusiasm on the part of fans of this site, now that free (and always polite) discussion is permitted.

Could someone give me a guess/estimate about how many ADULTS in TB have access to a computer.

What about your guess on the percentage of people living in TB that look at TB.net, even on a once a week basis.

Is money from outsiders still being accepted in Treasure Beach?

Being a true fan of this site, I posed this question on my last 2 visits, Last September and then in January. Roughly I would say 75% have heard of it and 10% have seen it. I think this is due to the lack of access. I had kids all excited who wanted to spend some time on my computer checking out the internet. The adults are different. Similar to here in the states, less adults want to be involved with computers than younger folks.

Welcome Sports Park. Welcome Police Training School.
Welcome Sea Plane, Or Great Pond Plane. Welcome that
ugly monster called The Canal.
Good by Tranquility. Good by freedom to walk on some
area of the beach. Good by Paradise.

This is a great summary, Bowl. Thank you for being man enough to stand up and say what you believe. How about saying something to all the other residents who do not have access to a computer. We need more people like you.

VERY interesting site makes for EXCELLENT reading: http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/24668?

Among other things, it states BREDS 2006 income (the last date reported) to be US$17,945.

I thought Aaron Laufer helped found BREDS. He was in the Peace Corps and was working with BREDS. His name seems to have disappeared. He deserves SOME credit.

Aaron is the co-founder of BREDS. He was in the Peace Corps in Treasure Beach. He is now a businessman in America.

From the entry for the Geotourism 2009 referenced by Researcher on 29 June:

"This board is reflective of the stakeholders of the community, and thus is better able to select and carry out projects that have the greatest impact." My question: Are there any villa owners/managers on the board? If not, why? (Yes, there are villa owners and managers who live in TB.)

" ... the nearest hospital being over an hour away by car ..." (Black River Hospital is 30 minutes away, maximum.)

"Also the creation of a sustainable development plan will ensure a low density and environmentally-sustainable development model for Treasure Beach, and guarantee the preservation of the natural and cultural beauty of the area." (This appears to be something IN ADDITION to the Sports Park. What is it?)

Can someone tell me the approximate cost to have internet access in TB. I am making the assumption that it's not only the cost of a computer that may be a problem but the cost of getting onto the internet. Some places advertise high speed. Does high speed cost more or is that determined by where in TB you might be?

The basic cost for DSL through Cable and Wireless on a land line phone bill is about $2,400 J per month on top of all other land line costs, taxes, etc. Since most people have cell phones now, they have given up their land lines entirely.

I am translating that J $2,400 to US $30 a month (80:1). So are you saying someone has to pay $30 a month ON TOP OF their land line monthly costs to have access to the internet? If this is correct, this is a BIG problem. May I also ask about how much monthly LAND LINE telephone service costs with the taxes and what ever else adds to the bill.

Is one dollar a day considered a BIG problem? Sounds reasonable to me.

Keep in mind that is high speed DSL access, not a dialup connection. However, a few years ago (last time I used dialup) using dialup also incurred a per minute phone charge so it was very expensive, more so that DSL. Not sure if that still holds true.

As a yardstick, compared to US prices DSL is not that much more.

Should we take the subject of internet to a new thread? I will be printing up these threads pertaining to the Sports Park to bring with me in September to show people. The cleaner the threads the better.

Mixed reaction on transferring the info on computer access because I think it had to do with if people in T/B had seen all the different remarks on the sports park. I could be wrong. Even if I'm right, you might want to put this info in a separate thread.

“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” These famous words were spoken by John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Today it is Independence Day in America. I am a Jamaican living in America, even though my heart and most of my relatives are still in Jamaica. Today my relatives and friends living here will celebrate by being with each other, enjoying delicious food and seeing a spectacular fireworks display. Though these are all things I could do if I was back home, what is striking to me about Americans is their ability to think for themselves and to guide their own lives. As much as I want to return to Treasure Beach when I retire, the controversy about the Sports Park has made me think long and hard about moving back. I speak to my friends and relatives there, and they seem to be waiting for the Government to take care of them. They seem to be waiting for Breds to take care of them. They feel they can make little difference, so why bother to fight what they say cannot be stopped. This attitude is so different from what I have now grown used to in America. Here, people fight – with words – for what they believe is right. They seem unafraid to take a stand even if it is unpopular. They feel they can determine their own fate.

I feel sad this is not happening in Treasure Beach. I feel sad people are not bothering to ask the hard questions. I feel sad they are not demanding answers. I feel sad the questions they DO ask are not being addressed by the Government or by Breds. To the people of Treasure Beach I say stand up for your rights. Understand your rights as an individual count even if you are not a politician or if you are not rich. Ask the hard questions. Demand answers. Do not allow yourself to be disrespected.

OK. I'll say it.

The memory of the whip was nothing to the demasculation of the African and Celtic males that were brought to Jamaica against their will. The Ladies have their stories,

Demasculation and family separation are legacies that were purchased with pain and blood and the emotional blunting that occurs with mammals under tyrany. Fortunately we kept dancing and believing "Better muss come".

The reluctance to speak up in the presence of Bucky Massa and his Government is historical fact, with rare and beloved exception. Read Eldgridge Cleaver and Frantz Fano for related reasoning.

We have pride in being descended from such hardy yet oppressed stock (for the most part). Yet, the traumatic memories are treasures meant to strengthen us in the quest to be human. Each valuable as hurdles to be exceeded a la Usain. Never to utilise the unethical manipulation and control of humans. This is the domain of the sociopath or antisocial personality.

Never to be in readiness to mock at and laugh at both the fools and the visionaries when they make a suggestion. This is the reaction of the insecure. And yes, who does not have insecurities?

Make any sense?

Sorry Frantz Fanon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frantz_Fanon

And Eldridge Cleaver: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldridge_Cleaver

I do not mean to sound negative but I am a realist, and I feel many readers of TB.net are not. To all those who keep asking questions of BREDS here on the Forum and sincerely are expecting responses, my advice is to cease and desist. It should be abundantly clear BREDS will post answers if and when they desire. There is no rule compelling them to respond about anything – the questions raised about the sports park, the ambulance, the nurse, their fundraising plans or anything else whatsoever. It should also be abundantly clear BREDS is aware of the controversy and is CHOOSING not to respond. For those of you who are do not want to quit with your postings and those of you who are seeming to threaten BREDS by not donating to them, be aware that your donation will not matter much in the scheme of a $2 million fundraising effort.

Thanks bowl fan,why I am man enough is that I cant be bought as I am not for sale.
I am retired so I cant be hired.
(lucky me) I don't beg, I don't Borrow.
So that leaves me open to not be afraid of Bucky Massa.
Sports Park was a good idea in the beginning when the land was purchased by the Govt.but now it is blown out of proportion by BREDS and their multi-million dollar complex. This is going to ruin our peaceful community. It is going to take away 100 year old shortcut from school children from Sandy Bank to Frenchman.
I was told by the head of BREDS in a meeting when I asked who is going to pay the land tax, I was told that the owner of the land have to pay the tax (i.e. the Govt.)$50,000.00. per year (is the lease) can't pay the the tax. Ask how I know ? I am paying that much for less undevelop land that is nearby.

I want to make it clear that the comments made by an 'S.Todd' on http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/24668? were not made by any of the Todd family of Lyric Villa and in no way reflect our opinion of either the Sports Park or BREDS.

Dear From (from what - From the Pessimist?) you are right about BREDS not having to respond to anyone. No members of their Board need respond to anyone either. This does not make it CORRECT. This does not make it RESPECTFUL. It is a shame they are choosing to be unresponsive because it has certainly turned my head around about them. No, I would not have donated much, but I might have encouraged others who had more resources to do so. By now I am downright annoyed about their deliberate choice not to answer questions.

You might be a realist, but I am one too. Questions were not asked before the canal, and look what we have now. I believe it is absolutely appropriate to ask questions. I believe it is absolutely appropriate to expect answers. What is inappropriate is NOT to ask the hard questions. What is maddening is to have BREDS sit silently by refusing to answer.

We will answer all questions, so please feel free to email us at info@breds.org.

BREDS, I can understand the need to keep confidential information secure by limiting answers to identifiable email queries.

I see no reason for a "non-profit association established by local community leaders..." not to respond here or in any public media to reasonable questions.

I look forward to your response here.

Why are we supposed to trust BREDS? Exactly what have they done to PROVE they are trustworthy and they CARE about the concerns people have. We trusted the government on the canal and look what that got us. A horrible mess that will scar the face of Treasure Beach as long as most of us are alive.

Turey suggests BREDS might wish to respond to email queries coming from identifiable sources only. If I were the one answering email questions, whether in public or in private, I might want to do the same—meaning respond to only those coming from people who are willing to state their names.

Because I have previously “stuck my neck out” and identified myself as someone who is in favor of a sports park for the community so long as it meets certain conditions—though against something that would tend to be disruptive to the community, I volunteer to ask the questions of BREDS. I would much prefer to do so openly, here on TreasureBeach.net, and have BREDS respond likewise. If this is unacceptable to BREDS, I would to do so privately; however, I would then publish the questions submitted and BREDS’ answers to them here—word-for-word—on TB.net. (This would not exclude anyone else from asking any questions they wish, as there is no rule questions would have to be funneled through me.)

BREDS, please understand I am not against your organization—though I admit I have some reservations about the way the sports park development appears to be coming about. In the past, I have been openly supportive of many of your fine efforts, including donating computer equipment for the schools and helping to raise money for the TBERU ambulance. Therefore, my questions would not be accusatory, merely seeking answers.

Please tell me how you prefer to proceed.

To BREDS:

If we pose some straightforward questions concerning the sports park on this site (in a respectful manner), would you be willing to respond to them here?

I ask this because there are numerous people who are looking for answers, many of whom have the identical questions. It would seem this would be an efficient manner of handling these inquiries.

I live in TB and would prefer not to ask my questions directly to Breds because I have to get along with people everyday. I would prefer to have Miss Kennedy ask them for me.

Karen Kennedy's suggestion seems to make sense. The sports park is a project for the community, and this is the community's website. Since the BREDS site does not have a Forum I would hope that BREDS would be pleased to take up Karen Kennedy's offer of help to channel information to the community via this site. Thanks Karen! Seize the opportunity BREDS!

I think Karen is being exceeding gracious by offering to do this. I urge BREDS to allow her to proceed with this idea. Even though she has some reservations about the current sports park plan, she has said she is NOT against having a sports park in TB. She is also quite interested in the community having spearheaded the scholarship program for years and having started the book drive for Sandy Bank; to me that means she is FOR the children and youth of TB.

Lack of transparency is disturbing.

The BREDS website is sorrily out of date for an organization with a staff.

The geotourism entry contains misleading information. Black River hospital is NOT an hour from Treasure Beach.

Why are the financials from 2006 posted and not 07 or 08, after all this is 2009!

BREDS, please allow Mrs. Kennedy to pose questions which you can then reply to right here on this site.

No reason why Karen Kennedy should not be able to ask a series of questions concerning the sports park and have BREDS answer them for all to see. I would be glad to send her my questions for consideration.

I am also in favor of having Karen present the list of queries to BREDS. This seems to be a very efficient way of doing things for all concerned.

I am also asking BREDS to permit this form of questioning about the sports park and look forward to learning their answer.

To Mrs Kennedy,With all due respect ,I am shocked that you have put your Charitys good work on hold to get involved in a disagrement with another Charitys good work.This is not what I exspected of you as I have donated to your special and honorable causes in the past. Respectfully, Shocked and dismayed,Tree Farmer

Tree Farmer, thank you very much for your past support; it is quite appreciated. Please know I have not put one thing on hold for Treasure Beach Foundation. That is -- and has been -- my first priority in Treasure Beach. We awarded five scholarships to Sandy Bank students a month ago. Even though there is not a villa raffle running, we are doing our utmost to raise funds on a year-round basis to continue to support all the students on scholarship.

With all due respect to Tree Farmer, why would you think Mrs. Kennedy posting three or four items about the Sports Park would be taking so much time that she has had to put the work she does for Treasure Beach Foundation on hold? That's not how she operates. If she has a deadline, she meets it. I happen to know she was on vacation when the GSAT scores came in, and she and her Board managed to handle selecting the scholarship winners the same as if she were working in her office. She put her VACATION on hold.

I came to Jamaica as a tourist from the U.S. in the 70's. I landed in a small tourist area on the North Coast called Strawberry Fields, which had much in common with Negril at that time. I got into a relationship, moved to Jamaica, developed a family & stayed for some years. I currently have a residence and extended family in St Mary.

So I have been watching things develop in Jamaica for the past 30 odd years. We all know what has happened in Negril, and the state of the North Coast development in the past 5 or 6 years has been truly frightening. The movie "Jamaica for Sale" makes it look like this is only the beginning of many horrors to come.

I first visited TB in the early 2000's, and was struck by how much it reminded me of Strawberry Fields in its halcyon days. What I loved about it was the small town, laid back style of tourism that seems to offer local people an income that still allows them to be independent and self sufficient [not going to work every morning for Scandals] and it offers tourists an opportunity to mingle in a friendly community where they can actually develop meaningful relationships with Jamaican people and possibly broaden their understanding of how other countries operate. I don't believe this is possible in an all-inclusive resort.

By some series of events that are still mysterious to me I ended up buying a guest house in TB, a property that is a stone's throw from the proposed sports park. While I think a ball-ground is a great asset to any community with lots of kids, a sports park seems to be a completely different entity, to me.

As the pressures of development increase, this small town quality becomes more precious and more rare. Somehow we are a species, or perhaps it is the American influence, but something moves us to feel we must always be developing. Progress is so important. But do we ever consider what it is we are progressing towards?
The ponds and fields that we tear up will be gone, no matter what our opinion of these changes may be some years down the road, and not recognizing the value of something until it is destroyed seems to be inherent in the human race.

The canal provides an excellent example of this principle gone wrong. I don't see anything happening to eliminate that problem any time soon. Just recently there has been a plethora of trees destroyed, we have sea planes landing in the pan, massive bird nesting areas are gone. What's amazing is how quickly these precious gifts can be lost, an uglyification program that is apparently on a roll in Jamaica.

Were we to put a stop to all these destructive impulses now, even if on a temporary basis, and wait to see what goes on in the rest of Jamaica in the next few years we could always take them back up again if it seemed wise. But it is my guess that we will soon see how special these areas are and how rare they are becoming. Whether we are looking back in regret at what we have lost, or in relief at what we had the foresight to preserve.

This is a sad commentary on what is happening in Treasure Beach. One person decided to take a stand because people who live in the community full time were reluctant to do so. She has supported BREDS in many endeavors, so it would be hard to say she is against BREDS. She has supported the youth in many ways in addition to the scholarship program in Treasure Beach, so it would be hard to say she doesn't care about the children. She is now in the uncomfortable position of not even having her request and the requests of many others who also want their questions answered responded to by BREDS. No wonder so many people in TB are reluctant to speak out, even politely. She did and her request is being ignored. If the answer is no BREDS, please tell her and get this over and done with. All I am asking is this woman be shown the courtesy she has shown to the whole TB community for so many years. I don't think that is too much.

I appreciate the comments that have been added to the forum - not only in this string - on this subject in the last several days. One of the great advantages of a democracy is the ability for concerned citizens to offer constructive criticism. Concerned citizens in a civilized society are encouraged to express their views whether they are for or against an idea. We should all applaud and respect different points of view because that is what helps distinguish us from a government where people are reluctant or even afraid to speak out. It would be detrimental for people to stop doing this because it would indicate people to not have a mind of their own or are afraid to speak their mind for fear of being unpopular. There are many other leaders in Treasure Beach and this is the time for them to come forward instead of keeping silent and hoping someone else speaks for them.

Yes Elizabeth we should realize how special God's gifts are in Treasure Beach. I never knew how special until I went away. Then I missed the quiet beauty of Treasure Beach and the sound of the sea. Someone said 'the grass is always greener on the other side'. Trust me, some times it only APPEARS greener. When you get where you think its greener you want to be home again.

Every morning before I go to work I look here first in the hopes Breds has answered and will allow the questions and every morning I see nothing from them. My parents and much family is still in TB and they is getting too old for much noise or traffic. They is afraid of crime coming in to where they live. They has other problems to cope with like their health isn't too good and to have enough money for the things they need. I want to help them fight this but I cannot do nothing from where I is. Maybe tomorrow when I look I will seee Breds has said yes. Have a good day every one.

BREDS I can see you are reading TB.net because I saw you told about the ambulance not working. I figure you are also reading the words of people like Heart in JA who are upset by the controversy and would like this kind of talk to be over and done with and for everyone to be pulling together and to be showing respect to each other. It is not fair to people like her. It is not fair to other people who have not spoken out but maybe are rethinking their decision to visit TB. It is not fair to people with guest houses because maybe they will lose rentals if people are feeling reluctant to come to TB. My question is if you are taking the time to read TB.net why can't you take the time to say if you will allow all the questions about the sports park to be collected by one person for you to answer. All it takes is one word. Yes or No. That's not hard to do.

Throughout my life my parents always told me that respect builds a man, a country, a nation.To be respected, you must earn it. Simply by being respectable to those who show and deserve respect.I have been waiting but without results,for BREDS to respond to the simple and courteous request of Mrs Karen Kennedy,who happens to be my role model...someone who over the years has taught me to strive towards acheiving great things through being a dedicated and respectable young lady.Something she herself lives on a day to day basis. She deserves an answer and has been left in the dark for far too long now.The leaders of Breds need to step up and give people answers as we are one community, not forces against each other. just simple respectable people in search of answers to our many Queries.

I would, support the sports park if Mrs Kennedy were building it, becaused I know it would be in the best intrest of the community, It would not be a money making business.to me this Idea is about making money and not about the young people of TB, if it was about the people of TB all the question that have been ask would have been answer.

Karen Parchment, I have never met you but it is clear you are a very courageous and courteous young woman. I noticed you will be entering UWI this fall and I congratulate you for that accomplishment. I also applaud you for having the courage to post your name along with your comments. You are the kind of person who will make Treasure Beach proud, wherever you go and whatever you do. Rather than go off after graduation, I hope you end up back in Treasure Beach because too many bright young people seem to go off to Canada or America.

I'm wondering if the sports park is going to happen exactly like BREDS is planning even if many people have not been given an opportunity to provide any input or suggestions. If this were about a private home no one would expect to interfere with the plans of someone else. But this is going to be a community facility and it seems wrong that suggestions were not asked of all who might be affected. Yes there was a suggestion box but I didn't know about it and even if I did, maybe my suggestions would have been ignored.

Miss Kennedy I would reccommend you don't wait for BREDS to answer anything here on this site. As others have said they do not have to answer anything they don't want to.

Miss Parchment said it best. Respect is all that is being requested here. Miss Kennedy deserves a respectful response from Breds because she has addressed them in a respectful manner. They can certainly say no in an equally respectful manner.

You know, when it comes down to it, people seem to be asking only a few questions of BREDS here. Some are about the ambulance and some are about the sports park. TWO things. That’s all. In the last few weeks all BREDS has said is the ambulance is out of service because parts are being sourced for it. Not one other answer from them. If they would show respect and bother to answer the few questions, we could get on with other things about Treasure Beach. People keep bugging them because it’s looking like they don’t have the respect to answer the questions. Answer the questions and people will stop asking.

It always helps to be proactive when there is some sort of public relations crisis. For the life of me, I cannot fathom why BREDS isn’t even being reactive to the negative comments they are getting here. Electronic communications such as TB.net can either be a godsend or a curse, depending upon how they are being used. If BREDS is not taking advantage of this medium, then I believe they are dropping an important communications ball.

If our clients are sitting around trying to figure out what to do, we advise them to do something, make it honest and believable, and above all to do it quickly.

TB is not Disneyland. It is not an amusement park where people go to be entertained and never ask any questions because they are supposed to accept things the way they are. TB is a real place I love with all my heart and soul. Come to think of it, I bet Disneyland gets suggestions and I bet they have enough respect to answer the people who send them in.

Yes indeed - Treasure Beach is better than Disneyland. No doubt about that - but we want to keep it that way. And that is why we need to accept that intelligent people can differ - and ask questions - and expect answers when the community is involved. This is not a time to give in to the powers that be. There have been no answers posted here, that I have seen, regarding all the big problems with the sports park plan. has the water testing been done? Have the road problems been figured out? Has a business plan been completed? Will the business plan be a transparent plan? Will the community be part of that - or are we left out of this part of the process. It is one thing to say there will be no events that will disrupt life in TB from the sports park - but is that part of the plan? When will the new Breds site be up and running? I still see a site that is nearly 5 years old. Please - we can not let this conversation drop - it is important to all who live and visit treasure Beach.

I finally read this full string and it sounds like the thing most desired from the sggestions submitted to BREDS is a swimming pool. Could someone tell me if a pool is now part of the sports park plan and if it is when it might be built.

A pool is not a part of the sport park plan that was presented to the community. There is not enough water for that (according to J.E.T.)- or the rest of the park, in the opinion of some.

Wata is correct. We will be more than fortunate to have enough water for irrigation and for the few other necessary uses at the sports park. The planning seems to have been done backwards. How do you plan to build something of this magnitude without knowing IN ADVANCE where you will get all the necessary items -- from water to the money? Sounds to me like the sports park was decided upon and people are still figuring out how to make it happen.

I also think the suggestion box was somewhat of a joke. People were asked to suggest what they wanted at the park. The winner was a swimming pool, but it's not even possible to give the people what they want.

How could BREDS decide some people are insiders and others are outsiders? I clearly recall the nice young man who helped Jason start BREDS was Aaron who was a Peace Corps volunteer. He was in Treasure Beach on a temporary basis, so by the new definition BREDS has I suppose they would call one of their founders an outsider. That would be pretty funny if it wasn't sad.

In all fairness to BREDS they did not coin the terms of "Insiders" and "Outsiders". It was created by someone responding to other comments made at the meeting. If you look back on the messages here reporting on what was actaully said in the meeting you will see those words were not used by any BREDS members.

Rebecca, I have looked back at the minutes posted by BREDS on June 25, and as you have said I do NOT find the terms of insiders or outsiders in those official written minutes. The closest I could find was the statement attributed to Jason which read “nothing good comes without a challenge and good things are worth fighting for. He asked the audience to deal with the issues and not the personalities. Currently the community is ‘torn apart’ by negative comments from people who are non residents, do not have children or have short residency.” Based upon these words AND based upon comments of attendees I know to be honest and decent people, it seemed clear to me BREDS felt decisions about the sports park should NOT be made by people not living in TB (even if they are frequent visitors or they are landowners or they are business owners); decisions about the sports park should not be made by people who do not have children (presumably small children and/or teenagers who live in TB); and/or people who live in TB but have only lived there a short time. (Someone told me less than about 18 months would be considered a “short time” by BREDS.)

So, I ask those who were able to attend the meeting to please clarify THEIR CONCLUSIONS of not only the actual words spoken by BREDS but the INTENT of those words. We all know that every word spoken was not written down. We also know the ATTITUDE of any of the speakers was not written down.

For the record, I do not live in TB. I have children but they do not live in TB, and they are already grown. I do have a business in TB. I do volunteer to help with community things in TB. BREDS knows my name and address and has contacted me in the past to solicit for money for the ambulance. I sent them a good sized donation, so there is no reason I see why they should have forgotten how to get in touch with me.

Even though they are well aware how to reach me, BREDS has not ever contacted me asking me if I had one idea or question or objection to the way things are planned for the sports park. I do not know of any other person in my position – meaning not living in TB but with a business in TB and very close ties to the community – who has been contacted by BREDS about the sports park. My personal conclusion from this is there may come a time when they would like a donation from me for the sports park, but they do not want any of my opinions, questions or objections to it. I also think the sports park as currently planned will have a negative effect on my business and on the community as a whole, so I feel it is not especially polite to not welcome my comments but to have no objection to taking my money.

In all fairness to me and to others similar to me, I ask for clarification.

Sometimes the MEANING of what is said is more important than the actual words used. Things can be said in a manner that is unkind and intimidating.

I was just simply stating "they did not coin the terms of "Insiders" and "Outsiders". That is it. Nothing more and nothing less.

Did anyone attending the meeting on June 22 FEEL like there was a distinction made between "insiders" and "outsiders"? If so I would like their opinion of what this meant to them.

It seems I need to state again what I meant. I did attend the meeting. My report and my reactions to statements made at the meeting were posted within this thread on June 24. I am only and simply saying the actual words "insider" and "outsider" were not used in the meeting. That is all. This is not meant as an interpretation of what was said in the meeting. This is not in defense or offense of anyone. It is just simply saying those two words were not said at the meeting.

Rebecca, I am sorry to belabor the point. I understand from what you are saying that no one from BREDS used the words "insider" and "outsider" to refer to different groups of people. Since you attended the meeting and I did not, I will then ask you if YOU felt BREDS was sincerely requesting the input of people who did not, for instance, live in TB on a full time basis? I could ask you more questions but I presume you understand the meaning of my question. If you are saying that BREDS is sincerely open to input from people who do not live there full time and do not own land and do not have children who might be using the sports park, then could you venture a guess why the people I know from TB who attended the meeting felt it would make sense to sit there and keep their mouths shut? (They were under the clear impression their voices did not count and their input was not welcome.)

Rebecca, if I were you I would not explain any more. Could it be the same on-and-on-and-on why BREDS does not respond? It is plain disgusting, if you ask me.

I don't recall the exact words used so Rebecca I am not disagreeing with what you're saying. I will say there was the definite feeling that opinions from some of us who attended were not welcome and the plans for the sports park were a done deal. I am one of those people who felt excluded, and I can tell you I FELT like an outsider. When Jason stood up and said people who don't live in TB or who have lived there for only a short time or do not have children or don't own land will not be telling them (meaning BREDS) what to do, what else was I supposed to think?

To Clarification Requested, please check the message I left on June 24 which holds my opinions and reaction to what was said at the meeting and that should answer your question.

Someone told me there is supposed to be a committee of area residents different than the BREDS board who will either be in charge of the sports park or will make recommendations for it - or something to that effect. I apologize for not recalling exactly what I was told, so if this is not completely correct I am sorry. Could someone tell me more details about this committee. Also I would like to know if the members of it have been selected and if we could know who they are. Thank you very much.

Ridiculous. Who cares if people were CALLED insiders or outsiders? Based on Rebecca's meeting notes, my feeling is the INTENT was the same. If Breds cared to change the impression they have left us with, they have had ample opportunity to do so.

What I find interesting is the number of "outsiders" who are doing such constructive things in TB - the medical personnel at the TBWG, the new lady from Australia and her non-profit, the scholarships that get awarded year after year, the people who bring books and computers to the schools, the people who come down and volunteer wherever they are needed, the people who are so generous after a hurricane. I feel TB owes them all a debt of gratitude, and I pray no one ever dares call any of these kind people an outsider to their face or behind their back.

People may not realize it but the Peace Corps people who have been in the TB area for years and years are all paid for by the US Government, meaning every taxpayer of the US. Some of them have been assigned to Sandy Bank, some to the TBWG and some even to Breds. Ironic, I think.

Does Breds have a Peace Corps person now? Is it Dennis or is he assigned elsewhere?

Clarification Requested....."Breds knows my name and has contacted me in the past.." why not give Breds a call ?
My question to Breds is when will the hockey field will be ready? thanks.

Andrew, I am not clear what you mean by suggesting I give Breds a call. What might you suggest we discuss? With whom would I speak? Pardon me for not understanding your intent.

Mr. James, I also do not understand why you think Clarification Requested give Breds a call. The way I have read what he was saying meant he was disappointed and annoyed Breds had no problem asking him for donations and accepting those donations but when it came to the sports park, all of a sudden his opinion didn't count. I have been reading this forum for years, and I have observed that many people who call themselves STAKEHOLDERS feel the same way as Clarification Requested. If Breds truly wants all the members of the community to have a voice and at least FEEL involved, I think they should go out of their way to make this happen. Way back, if you wanted to see a diagram of the sports STADIUM, well then all you had to do was visit the Breds office. Not very convenient I would say. Or the suggestion box. I never saw anything posted here about a suggestion box. Even if I did and I didn't live in TB full-time, how would I have put in my suggestions? My conclusion from all that has happened over the years is Breds seems determined to do this their own way. I would think Clarification Requested will hear from Breds when he is asked to make a donation for the sports park. I don't feel that's very sporting.

Thank you to My Conclusions. I believe this is stated perfectly. Based upon the absence of anything being said by them one would think Breds is on holiday.

Out of sight, out of mind. It pains me when this string disappears because no one has bothered to make a post. In my humble opinion the sports park continues to have more possible negative ramifications for Treasure Beach than the canal because it will involve Treasure Beach from one end to the other. Amazingly, there are many residents of Treasure Beach who have not yet even SEEN the canal. With the possible traffic and noise, I doubt the sports park will escape anyone's notice. People have an opportunity to act before much damage is done.

It has occurred to me the lack of "protest" by Treasure Beach residents about the sports park may be due to the lack of most of the community having access to the internet so they have not heard or seen most of the questions raised here. Many of the people on TB.net, maybe most of them, do not live in TB. Does this make any sense?

I think someone said only about 10% of the residents of TB look at the internet on a regular basis. I am not certain of this.

That 10% sounds about right. But it must be more to it than that because people still know how to TALK to each other, don't they? Does anyone else have any ideas? I am totally mystified. It CAN'T be because people don't care about where they live. People I've met in TB seem to be the caring sort. Really and truly.

Theres lots of reasons. No internet for most people is one. Back when there was not phones in TB people talked alot more to each other. Now there is cells mostly and land lines too. Theres also more TV so that cuts down on the talking. One more thing is people is not so independant any more because alot of them dont has there own likkle business but they works for a big company so sometimes they feel it wouldn't be smart to cross the people they works for. Just some of my ideas.

Maybe they're hoping for the best.

See what Trust without Consequences wrote in the string on Speed Bumps in Old Wharf. Spot on.

What happen with the talk about is the raods to the park private or public. i still think private.

Ahhh My Ideas, when TV first came to us, it was in black and white, the only reception we got was from Cuba. I heard and saw lots of El Jefe.

My family used to gather in the evenings before TV, play games and do homework together.

That changed with TV. More and more time was spent involved with fictional happenings than real.

I'm not suggesting we throw out our TV's, better to keep them as fowl coops :-)

Check how many thousands of hours are spent in so called relaxation (do you feel refreshed after a session?) that may have been used to address wealth, health, education and socialising.

Off course I do not include Bill Maher, Stewart, Colbert and Discovery, I run the chickens then.

I must practice what I preach....I must practice what I preach.......

And: I must stay on topic.....

Yes a recreational area would benefit TB.

Remember: Location, scale and human and environmental stressors.

But pleeze, no TV's in the Park.

I am an American married to a Jamaican from TB. We own land in TB. I will applying for Jamaican citizenship soon. I am undecided about this sports park.I guess I need to find out more about it.

I am definately against the sea planes.

"Undecided" is exactly the way many people feel. I ask Unsure what do you think the positive points are? What do you believe the negative points are? What would it take for you to decide to be "for"? What would it take for you to be "against"? Assuming the sports park is built and you do not like the impact it has on TB, exactly what will you do?

I would not do any thing if i didnt like the sports park when its done. It doesnt matter because i cant be moving any way. Closer people could has more problems.

Isn't it time for the new Breds website? The community was promised at the meeting that it would be up and running in a short time - making the whole project transparent - wasn't it. Am I dreaming? Does anyone know if it is up? I haven't been able to see it.

They said three months. I know they are working on it.

On 22 June BREDS stated the web site would be updated in TWO months. That would make the date 22 August. Scroll above to their minutes posted from the 22 June meeting.

I have no idea how many people wrote to Karen Kennedy noting they had some degree of concern with the sports park. I have no idea how many people have sent any questions directly to BREDS. I do not recall ONE SINGLE POST on this site from a tourist saying the presence of the sports park would make them want to visit TB. I have seen several from tourists who have indicated they are seriously thinking of another place than TB to vacation. I am aware this is not a scientific poll, but I think it bears reminding the people of TB that tourism is what is supporting them. Less tourists = less income for everyone. That's a very simple concept.

Rebecca, could you estimate the percentage of adults in TB whose incomes are directly or indirectly related to tourism. I know we are trying to preserve TB as a "little secret" that is not filled with tourists like Negril. On the other hand, I am afraid that less tourists will mean less money for the local economy, and that could be quite bad.

I want to email a few questions to Breds and am getting conflicting advice on their proper address. Could someone confirm the most recent. Should my email be sent to anyone in particular? Has anyone else sent them questions and received an answer? If so could you tell me approximately how long it took. I don't want to look too impatient.

info@breds.org.

Thank you Berry.

Does anyone have any idea if they check their email every day? Is there a person I should direct my e-mail to?

Curious to know if anyone sent BREDS questions about the sports park. Or wondering if them requesting questions be sent to them and not posted here was enough of a deterrent that no one bothered.

I lived in a place similar to Treasure Beach. I had a business, and most of what we sold was to locals not tourists. When tourism went down my business went down because the locals didn't have any extra money and all they could afford to buy was exactly what they HAD to have, nothing extra. TB has little to sustain itself without tourism. Fishing is a more difficult way to earn a living each year. There are hardly any farmers making a profit from what they grow. Mainly they are lucky if they grow enough to feed their families. It often costs more to raise a hog than the money you get from selling it. You can only make so much money from raising chickens to lay eggs. As much as TB people would hate to admit it, the tourists are a mixed blessing. They're sometimes hard to put up with, but you may very well need them to live.

I'd be interested in getting Rebecca's take on the impact of tourism in TB. Not at all saying tourists should be running the place, but I have a feeling if they are disappointed and start to go elsewhere it could have a downward spiraling effect. Seems they should feel as if they have some input people down there care about.

I think To Tourism Impact summed it up quite well. Fishing used to be the #1 industry in TB but I would guess tourism is now as the fishing industry is suffering greatly.

What I would add to what was already said is we should never forget what has attracted folks to Treasure Beach in the first place and all of we, residents, tourists, etc. need to come together and united make sure to preserve what it is that makes Treasure Beach so special.

Hmmmm, good question I will start a new thread with this question.

You may get no response if you email to info@breds.org. If you send an inquiry to thebredssource@gmail.com, a nice man named Andrew Scott will receive your email. Andrew (at the BREDS office) does not have access to the first email address mentioned. Strange but true.

Rebecca is guessing tourism is the #1 industry in TB. As a tourist, I would tend to agree though I don't know TB the way she does. So my question is how would the economy in TB be affected if we had less tourists or less returning tourists - meaning the ones that can be counted on to return year after year?

At least half our guests are repeats. They come once a year or every other year. They also provide outstanding references for prospective renters. I would not like to think what would happen if our repeat visitors didn't return. It would be a bloody disaster.

Miss Kennedy, this may be none of my business but I am wondering if you ever submitted questions to Breds.

Thank you for asking. Yes, I did submit questions to BREDS about the Sports Park.

PICK SENSE OUT OF NONSENSE:
"When a true genius appears in the world, you will know him by this sign....the dunces are all in confederacy against him."
Jonathan Swift

Miss Kennedy, are you willing to share the answers from Breds?

I have not yet received any response from BREDS. In all fairness, my questions were not sent until the morning of Monday, August 3, and Thursday of last week was a national holiday. Therefore, I believe they have not yet had sufficient time to provide the answers.

Patience is a virtue, Miss Kennedy. I wonder if it occurred to you an answer may NEVER be coming from BREDS. Have they told you WHEN you might expect to hear something from them?

No, it never occurred to me I would not be receiving a response from BREDS. I choose to trust people unless they show they cannot be trusted. I have no reason to believe that BREDS will not act professionally and send me the answers to my questions. (No, they did not give me a date when I could expect a response from them.)

Just made my reservations. Won't be down there til January. Wondering what's been done on the sports park so far and what I might expect to see by the beginning of 2010. Not looking for a response from Breds. Hoping someone whose down there can give me an update. Thx.

Am not expecting updates from Breds on what's happening at the sports park. I would also like to get updates and also pix of progress. Rebecca, could you or someone else do this on maybe every other week.

If BREDS fulfills the commitment they made on their new website, it should be up and running on 22 August. That should serve to answer most of the questions we have seen posted here for many months. It seems clear to me that except for an occasional comment on whether or not the ambulance is in service, they have chosen to avoid TB.net as a place to post any messages or answers, even though they have daily access to computers.
We cannot expect Rebecca to run around with her camera taking photos and posting updates on the sports park, as that is not her job. Meanwhile, if ANOTHER RESIDENT or TOURIST has some recent snaps of the sports park and can post them it would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to see photos of what is happening. I heard a rumour that many good trees had been cut down but I am not inclined to believe something like that unless I see it with my own eyes.

This coming Monday will be two weeks since you submitted your questions to BREDS. Don't you think that would be sufficient time to answer your questions? If not, don't you think they should tell you when to expect the answers?

Very little has happened at the sports ground in the past few months, so photos won't tell you much. A few lignum vitae trees were removed and somewhere on this forum there are pictures of the logs and dead branches. Net goal posts were put up on the football field and a compressor was hooked up to pump water from the pond to the field. Unfortunately with the drought we've been having and the pumping out, the pond is now completely dry and all the wildlife has been displaced. The only other thing to see is a lot of garbage. The goats turn over the bins and everything ends up blowing down the road.

Thank you to Sandy Bank for the update. I want to express my disgust based on my trying to picture what you reported. Because I want my comments to be posted about the dead lignum vitaes, the displaced (to where?) wildlife and the garbage, my comment is HOW WONDERFUL AND LOVELY.

Where DID the wildlife go? I am being serious.

What Sandy Bank says is alarming, to say the least: the pond is dry, from pumping? Wildlife displaced? Wonder if Diana McC knows of that turn of events.

Even here in the northeast of the United States, where, compared to Treasure Beach, we have sufficient water, those of us who recognize - as the people of Treasure Beach recognize - how precious a resource water is - we NEVER use that precious stuff to water our lawns. We let them brown up in the heat of summer. They always seem to green up refresh themselves after the winter snows and spring rains.

Why has there not been a hue and cry raised about such cavalier draining of the pond? Does BREDS own that water? What gives BREDS (or whoever has drained the pond) the right to drain that wildlife habitat?

On the other hand, if BREDS uses that water to green up a playing field, I guess there's no need at all now for any kind of a canal.

Would it be possible for someone to take a photo of that drained pond? I'd like to see that.

I am also disgusted by what sandy bank says has happened on the sports park land. There are now net goal posts plus an empty pond, trash, no wildlife, dead trees and goats. Well all I can say is with the lack of building that seems to be happening for the sports park I can't figure out why there isn't time to answer Miss Kennedys questions.

If I'm not mistaken, the "pond' is seasonal depending on the rains. Before the recent spate of big storms dating back to Ivan the Terrible, it and Great Pond were bone dry.

So I don't think there was any pumping, rather natural evaporation

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Water was being pumped from the "sports park" pond at one time to water the football field. (Mostly at the hottest time of the day)!
The pump might even still be there at the side of the pond.

There was a group of young people reported catching, cooking and eating the pond birds.

Between those actions, drought, and migration its not a wonder there are no birds around.

Eric, you are wrong. Maybe because we are talking about two different ponds. There WAS a pond on the sports park land. That HAS been pumped dry by BREDS. If you heard the noise of the pump you would know that was not the sound of evaporation. The Great Pond is the one connected to the canal and yes, like other TB ponds including the one on the sports park land, it has been known to go dry on its own in times of great drought or to flood in times of very significant rainfall. TB has had water problems for as long as I can recall. Too much or too little, mostly too little. Right now it is so dry in the area we are getting water in the pipes only once a week.

I figure BREDS will go on doing what they wish whenever they wish - and give out the least information possible - just like was done with the canal. The NWA is building the canal in stages - just like the sports park. The NWA admits they don't have the money to start on the next phase so we have to live with the disgusting mess they created. BREDS says they will have no problem getting the 2 MILLION USD they need to build the sports park but then they don't even have money for a cellular phone for the nurse.

Some people are angry about the tourists coming in and buying up the land and changing TB. I would say those people should first take a look at what THEIR OWN PEOPLE are doing that could ruin the area.

I feel physically ill about the group of young people supposedly catching, cooking and eating the birds from the pond on the sports park land. Is this considered a SPORT? Why are people turning a blind eye to what is happening on that land? Drain the pond. Kill the birds. Cut down the trees. When will this lunacy stop? Where is the supervision from Breds? We saw a list of the directors of Breds. I know they are good human beings so why don't ANY of THEM take notice of what THEIR organization is allowing to happen to their community? They have mouths and they can open them and say enough is enough. I am sick about this. I hope some of the Breds directors feel that way too.

This is all so depressing: BREDS draining the pond, the "young people" catching and eating birds, the dearth of water in TB. What is going on? How about some rules for the community - drawn up by the elders and those who "get it" - about these things?

Pond makes an excellent point in his last paragraph. At least most people I know who visit TB from the states have some level of environmental consciousness. Meanwhile, Jamaicans continue to merrily burn their trash piles, emitting all sorts of toxins into the air, and continue to dump trash all over the landscape.

If "government" won't fix these things, fixing them is left to locals, and must be done by them.

TB residents would do well to stop paying lip service to what is wonderful about TB, and actually do something to halt the degradaton and lack of respect for the flora and fauna, air and water because, alas, what is wonderful is fast fast disappearing.

Rebecca, I think you put your post on birding under the incorrect topic. I do not want to get into a discussion on whether or not it's correct to kill birds because doing so is legal in Jamaica during a certain part of the year. I live where it's legal to hunt deer during a portion of the year; even though I disagree with the practice, I know it's accepted.

What I am objecting to is the apparent lack of respect for the land and all that lives or grows on it. Too few people in TB seem to have an understanding of how all the elements in our environment work together and support each other. While this could be a perfect opportunity for BREDS to take a leadership role and teach our young people something positive, they appear to have decided to sit back and do nothing.

I think one point should be made clear. Killing and eating birds is not something new. Young boys have been doing this for years using their homemade sling shots. Actually, I think it is practiced less now than it was years ago. Maybe someone more familiar with this can say if that is true or not.

Today started bird shooting season (government controlled) across the island. For the next few weekends many bird shooters scatter throughout the "bush" of Jamaica shooting ground doves, bring them back to where they are staying, cook them and eat them. If you wake up to gun shots for the next few weekends, well that would be the bird shooters, big men with big guns, not young boys with homemade sling shots.

Thank you Lack of Leadership, I did put the above msg under the wrong topic. I've now moved it.

Thank you Rebecca for shedding light on the subject. We've been shooting birds for generations, using homemade catapults and "sweeps" (called calabans in other areas of the island). That's our culture. Young boys did these things long before we began sitting in front of an Xbox all day, eating junk food from a box or a can. The first guns I ever saw were owned by men shooting birds by the pond side (ducks, teals, coots).

I suppose the next thing we "natives" will be schooled on is to stop eating pondcakes because we're killing flora and fauna.

Keep an even keel folks. A little yin and yang is always worthwhile.

How close to a residential area are birders allowed to shoot? I am concerned about stray bullets and other such mistakes.

Am wondering if anyone has an opinion about peoples feelings about the sports park if they dont live close to it or if they dont have kids. Does this effect anything do you think?

I WOULD SAY LEAVE THE BIRDS ALONE.HOW MANY PEOPLE IN JAMAICA EAT THOSE BIRDS.
TRY RAISING CHICKENS INSTEAD.

I get what you're saying Everton.

The collective wisdom and flexiblity of culture is shown by how we adapt our behaviours before they degrade our quality of life.

Check the one million fishermen on Lake Victoria, population increase has passed the ability of the fish to keep a stable poulation and their health is also questionable. Pollution from the population and their unsustainable lifesyles has also inpacted on this.

I believe when we used bingi and calaban, their were less people and less environmental pressure on the birds, the pond cakes, the fish, the land turtles (I've seen them), the sea turtles, the lignum vitae etc.

The evidence of decline of quality of life is documented, it may be clearer to us greyhairs that experienced the last of sweetness without amplification.

A part of what many call culture is to breed as many pickney as possible to demonstrate masculinity and for ladies to show evidence of not being mules. It is culture to 'tek' from Buckie Massa. It is culture for man to drink more than his neighbour to show? could never figure out that one.

Liberating the mind from mental slavery is not a simple matter of slipping off already loosed chains, it is a personal examination of whats fi real and what's not.

Harder yet as we are in the midst of crowds that keep our habits in defined forms, ready to deliver a tongue lashing or mocking for those that stray from conformity.

The moist, receptive and life giving Yin, is now under the yoke of the masculine, active, dry Yan. http://www.friesian.com/yinyang.htm

"If you do not change your direction, you might end up where you are heading" Lao Tzu.

Respect.

Turey, my comment was given in context of the condescendent attitude evident here regarding shooting and eating birds. I am not taking a pro or con position relative to the environment. I'm merely pointing out a fact that this is not something barbaric or uncivilized as the tone in some posts might suggest. My reference to keeping an "even keel" is an appeal to those who may not be aware of that part of our history, and to put things into proper context before making judgement.

I fear we have gone off the original topic here (apologies all around), but be careful of that fella Lao Tzu. After all it was he who said "When all in the world understand beauty to be beautiful, then ugliness exists; when all understand goodness to be good, then evil exists". You see my friend, it's an endless circle, and always a flip side. Even mother earth reveals this reality to us. We always end up where we started. So consume a few ground doves, leave some for your friends, and others to reproduce, and then we start all over again. That's all I'm saying, keep a balance.

Irie.

Agreed Everton, and it's not easy to stay balanced in an unbalanced situation. We try our best eh.

I'm on the side of no bird shooting at all. There is no fair play there. Bingi, calaban or big? man with big gun.

Going after wild hog with spears, that's balanced and fair.

Anyone coming on a Blue Mountain trek? Sharpen your spears and your wits.

To Question, my opinion is a lot of people from TB do not have a strong opinion on some things because they may not have seen them or think whatever it is might not affect them. There are a lot of people in TB who have never SEEN the canal. Though they are probably compassionate people and they certainly have heard about the flooding, they might be a lot more upset if they saw the ugliness with their own eyes. The same goes for the sports park. If you live near it where you might hear a lot of noise or if you live on the main where there might be a lot of traffic, you would have a stronger opinion than if you lived back in Great Bay or Ft. Charles.

Shooting Bald Pates in Jamaica is the norm,
not pond fowl and birds. There are so few of them to begin with and once you start killing them, the survivors will go elsewhere.

I sincerely hope people from Treasure Beach realize what a genuine treasure they have. If too much is taken for granted, I fear they will not notice the tiny little things that seem to be disappearing day by day. If this continues to happen, one day people will wake up and wring their hands over all that has been lost and cannot be gotten back. The pond fowl and birds are only one of the many things that can disappear.
Please protect your treasure. If you lived where I did you could see the results of years and years of people not caring enough.

Hi Turey and others. Another from LaoTzu: "Give up wisdom, renounce sainthood, and it will be a thousand times better for everyone."

Like Everton said Van, be careful of that fella Lao Tzu.

Whatever you do, don't give up common sense and kindness.

Reminds me of "Turn of your mind, relax and float downstream..." by John Lennon inspired by The Psychedelic Experience by Leary, Alpert and Metzner.

What a struggle; I'm having a hard enough time giving up sweets and excess carbs, wisdom and sainthood is gonna take me lifetimes :-)

Best.

I can elaborate on the comment on what seems to be a lack of strong opinions from many in TB about such things as the canal and the sports park. I spoke to a friend who recently returned from TB, the place where he was born and still has family. Many people he knows in TB have never seen the canal because they do not live close to it. As My Opinion said, he did not find many people who had a strong opinion about the sports park. He said the ones who were most in favor of it were young men in their teens and early 20s who were looking for a place to play sports. All they wanted was a place to go because they don’t have jobs and they don’t go to school. He thinks most TB residents have no idea about the economics of the sports park including how the money to build, manage and maintain it would be raised. Because he is a businessman in America, he is fairly knowledgeable about economic realities of a venture such as this. He personally believes there is no way the sports park could be built and survive without charging admission to both residents and tourists. He believes the primary source of revenue will have to come from events which are booked there. Even though he regards TB as his home and the place he loves most, he told me he is quite disappointed in the residents for not getting together as a full community. He believes this is because TB is quite spread out, because many of the residents seem to worry only about what is within shouting distance from them and because most people in TB do not have access to the internet and have no idea whatsoever about what is being discussed on TB.net.

Miss Kennedy, it's me once again and it is August 19. I am wondering if you have YET received the answers to the questions you submitted to Breds on August 3. If not, have they told you when you should expect to receive them?

Dear Friend of TB - what you say is scary but true. I sit here in America wondering why some of us work so hard to save TB when the main people doing it should be those living right in TB. There are so many wise and wonderful people living there. I keep thinking of the saying The Lord Helps Those Who Help Themselves.

I regret to inform you I have not yet had a response from BREDS. However, I am still being patient.

I am ashamed.

Hello Ms Kennedy, I admire your objectivity and your PATIENCE. At this pace however, I'm hoping you have a DONKEY, if you know what I mean.

Breds said if people sent them questions directly they would be answered. If Miss Kennedys questions have not been answered than they are going back on their word. By now I am sick of promises made and than no action. I am guessing we will not be seeing the promise web site by this Saturday too. I know someone else used this signature but you can still sign me Disgusted.

IF Mrs. Kennedy has not yet received her response from Breds I would say they are being exceedingly rude and disrespectful unless they have told her WHY she has not yet received the answers. I would hope they HAVE responded because I do not want to be embarrassed to be affiliated with them.

This is QUITE an embarrassing situation. Even though I am far from being a pessimist, I am now assuming the new BREDS website will be indefinitely postponed and BREDS may never provide a response to Miss Kennedy.

donkey to swift. try rockstone

I am flabbergasted. Are there not any directors of Breds who are reading this? Directors DO share responsibility for what is done by their organization.

I'm not shocked. Having followed these discussions and more for some time now, I am noticing the distinct differences among the various NGOS that operate in Treasure Beach. Those which are more open and transparent appear to report their results with speed and with no grumbling. They merely go all out to do their work. Others appear to ignore requests to answer questions and seem to be proactive only when announcing some sort of new program, and then they go silent. To see the differences, one only has to look at the reporting done by the TBWG with their summer camp, health clinics, and other fine programs. Similarly, Treasure Beach Foundation not only announces such events as their villa raffle but they tell us which children are on scholarship - and how the scholarships have made a difference in their lives. JET has also be quite forthcoming about their activities in the area. Miss McCawlay has taken the time to do much for TB, even when she felt ill. On the other hand ...

I'm waiting for tomorrow. Then tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. This is an unfortunate situation.

You might want to go directly to the Breds office Ms. Kennedy.

I am very supportive of Mrs. Kennedy's efforts, and grateful for them.
As I've followed the posts, it has seemed to me that what's needed is an enforcement mechanism. It's all very well to have promises that plans and scope have been scaled back, but who will be sure such promises are kept?
In the U.S., we'd do it through zoning: Granting a "special exception" for certain specified uses, buildings, roads etc. I'm not sure whether Jamaican law could encompass that sort of thing, but perhaps it could be explored.
Failing that, the next-best option is a covenant, written by a good lawyer, limiting uses, buildings, roads etc. The question then is: Covenant with whom? Adjoining landowners? TBWG and some other disinterested community organizations? Churches? Again, I'm not sure what Jamaican law allows.
But if the sponsors of the sports park want to assure the community of their bonafides, they should be willing to enter into some sort of enforceable contract or covenant that would empower other parties to the covenant to go to court to block unanticipated development by charging breach of contract.
It would be unfair, perhaps, to allow any single covenanting party to tie matters up in court. I'm sure an agreement could be written that would empower such a blocking action only if signed by, for instance, 51 percent of adjoining landowners.
Such a covenant would not preclude some later expanded development, if agreement could be reached with the covenanting parties. But it would give the wider community some assurance -- which seems to be lacking now -- that today's promises will be kept tomorrow.
Bravo, Karen! Keep up the good work.

I am against no one. I believe Mrs Kennedy and others that have demonstrated against the Sports Park in it's current planned form are also not trying to put down or suppress anyone.

I have a feeling that many see these objections as personal attacks causing a division in the community. I may be wrong as I have not been to TB in a while and only conclude this from the postings here.

Anything that divides a community weakens it and makes it vulnerable to ills of many sorts.

We are certainly not one people, that is our national hope, not a current reality. It may be comforting to keep repeating this but without dispassionatlely and passionately examining what divides us, nothing will change. No decree or law can accomplish this. It's an individual thing, one at a time.

We are not all black, we are not all christians, we are not all of the same political party and we are not all in agreement on the planned Sports Park in Treasure Beach.

Just as Jamaicans are divided in many ways we also have so much to bind us in common purpose.

Both in TB and Ja, the time has come to practice 'One People', not based on racial, religious or political commonalities but on maintaining and expanding the quality of life that the land, air, water, plants, animals and each other can achieve, together. The sweetest isle his eyes beheld. Old C. Columbus would be shocked.

I sense that the man made conditions that diminish Livity globally and locally have to be acted on NOW!

This is one time 8:00 Jamaica time has to be ignored.

The Sports Park, canal etc are issues that repeat themselves globally in various forms, ignoring them will not make them go away.

I am with Turey on this one. If someone is against the sports park no matter what is done with it, I think that's ureasonable. If someone loves Treasure Beach, it's impossible to deny a good and safe place for our youth to engage in sports. What is bothering me is the apparant lack of transparancy and the apparant reluctance for Breds to respond to questions from people who truly care about Treasure Beach. I am merely asking for politeness on the part of everybody who writes in on this forum and more timely communictions from Breds.

I have just returned home from another glorious week in Treasure Beach. I feel a special rapport with the people and I have come to love the community more and more each time I am there. I walk the roads and people smile and wave. I am invited to join games of dominoes though I admit to losing three out of four matches.
On the negative side, I was surprised to have seen so much development in the eight months since I'd been to TB. There are lots less trees and many more fences. The canal situation seems to have gotten worse instead of better.
I went to see the sports park which is not much of anything yet. Some land has been cleared and there are trees that have been cut down. When I asked people living in Treasure Beach about the sports park I realized few people I spoke to have the slightest idea of what is happening or the possible remifications it could have. Being optimistic, they are looking forward to a wonderful area for the children to play sports. Not one person I spoke to had the slightest idea of where the $2 MILLION US in funding was supposed to come from except that BREDS would be paying for it. Where would they be getting the money? People thought BREDS would be getting donations from wealthy people abroad. People like me. For the record, I am not wealthy and I scrimp and save to be able to come for my little vacations.
My conclusion is BREDS will have to tap people with far more money than I have.
Meanwhile I spoke to several people with more knowledge about the sports park. Some had felt quite insulted in the July meeting. The tone of the comments made by people from BREDS made them feel uncomfortable and like outsiders. They were hurt by what was said. I was disturbed by this because I never heard this type of feeling before in Treasure Beach.
I am trying to be logical and fair and balanced with my conclusions. For the life of me I can't imagine how $2 million can be raised. All I figure is there will have to be LOTS of events held at the sports park and people will have to pay a LOT in admission fees to attend.
I do not see how Treasure Beach could handle the kinds of crowds necessary to support the sports park. Can someone explain this to me?

I cannot understand how Mr Henzell can fullfil the responsibilities of President of Island Outposts and run Jakes yet cannot find the time to answer reasonable questions about his plans for the community he lives in.

As more than enough time has passed to allow answers to be crafted, it is natural for susu and conjecture to take full flight. I do not encourage this but only point out one of our human frailties.

http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/154000320/4042968.search?query=%22jason+henze ll%22

Miss Kennedy, here I am again. Today is August 25. Have you YET received the answers to the questions you sent to Breds on August 3. If not, I am again asking if they told you when you should expect to receive them?

I have not yet had a response to the questions I submitted to BREDS. I have not been told when I might be expecting answers to my questions.

Sir, I think you have hit upon some essential points. These are:

* The community at large is not very knowledgeable about the sports park.

* Many people in the community who hear others say anything negative about the sports park are making the assumption that anyone who has any question or objection at all is against the community. I think this is resulting in unnecessary tension because I think we are ALL on the same side - the side of the community.

* Breds is being hypocritical by suggesting "outsiders" have no place voicing questions or objections, but they will be asking for donations, grants and corporate sponsorships from "outsiders". People who live here cannot possibly afford to contribute the $2 million USD required.

* We do NOT have the necessary infrastructure to support additional people coming into TB in any substantial numbers. Right now I have not even had water for four days. The roads are not in good condition.

* Breds is not being responsive to questions. My opinion is anyone saying they will construct and manage something of this size, complete with night events, should show a polite and professional attitude.

How many notice boards are there that would accept copies of the appropriate threads from this forum?

Is there anyone willing to make copies and anyone willing to put them up?

I am another of the people who feels disgusted and hurt by what is happening. How can Breds say that people who do not live in T/B on a fulltime basis do not have opinions that count. T/B people have no problem in accepting assistance from abroad, but these same people are suppose to not speak up when it comes to things like the sports park. I am not saying T/B could not survive without outside help but I think it is RUDE to have a hand out taking money and using the other hand to ask silence from that same generous person.

I copied this from above in this string.

By BREDS on Monday, July 06, 2009 - 01:26 pm:

We will answer all questions, so please feel free to email us at info@breds.org.

From what I understand Mrs. Kennedy sent in her questions to Breds as they asked. She did this on Monday, August 3. From what Mrs. Kennedy has said yesterday which was August 26, she has yet to receive even one answer from Breds.

Breds said they would answer all questions. They did not say WHEN this would happen. 3-1/2 WEEKS seems plenty long for answers. At least to me.

I think some places of business might be willing to display some posts from this string but I do not know this. There is also a large % of adults in T/B who cannot read.

I know. Some have better memories and instincts than many of us literates.

I think the readers will pass on the information.

Can't do Democracy without information being available to all. Or as many as possible or are interested.

Not sure people will pass the information on. There is often reluctance to be in anything political.

Not quite true. During the last election, there was a huge number of people who voted, many who had never voted before. If we could only make local issues as important for those of us who live in this community as national elections, perhaps we would be on the way to building a voice for that which we all want. Call it participatory democracy in the best sense. An unspoken voice cannot be heard.

Some folks need to pay attention to this issue. I doubt that the oposition is only on this forum. This has become the longest thread EVER in TBnet 10 year history for a reason!

Frustrated, I agree with you regarding participation in the last national election. People from St. Elizabeth and Treasure Beach voted in record numbers. Some figures indicate these votes were the determining factor in the election results. Local matters are something else. The citizens are less informed on these, not having heard all relevant issues concerning some very important matters. Issues about the sports park have not, in my opinion, been presented in a fair and balanced manner. The citizens seem to have been presented with only the possible positive outcomes, and these are what they recall and are telling each other. Meanwhile, Breds is dragging their feet on answering questions. It is my opinion they do not want the answers to many of these questions to be made public. If they were willing to have a balanced picture of the sports park presented - meaning the possible negatives along with the possible positives, why would they not be answering questions which were submitted to them exactly as they asked. Not giving answers to questions feels very much like a delaying tactic. How are the people of Treasure Beach supposed to reach conclusions with having all the facts?

In regards to the above where it is stated that the residents have only been presented with possible positive outcomes...
I need a few opinions. What is your thought of me printing up this thread numerous times and passing them out on my visit? I will be there in 10 days.
I am not shy, have no fears of any backlash directed my way. (I don't live there). And quite frankly, have never been intimidated by "the man".

I am more or less repeating my post from yesterday.

On Monday, July 06, 2009 at 01:26 pm, Breds said:

We will answer all questions, so please feel free to email us at info@breds.org.

Mrs. Kennedy sent in her questions to Breds as they asked. She did this on Monday, August 3. From what I understand, she has yet to even receive an email from Breds acknowledging her request. She has yet to receive even one answer from Breds.

Breds said they would answer all questions. This coming Monday will be FOUR WEEKS since she sent in her questions.

Does Breds not have the answers to any of her questions? Do they have the answers but do not wish to share them because these answers might cause people to raise even more questions? Is it possible the answers might help present a more balanced pictures of the pros AND cons? Is it possible some of the answers might cause people in Treasure Beach to have negative thoughts about the sports park?

We will not know any of this until Breds fulfills its promise to answer Mrs. Kennedy's questions.

If I was Mrs. Kennedy I would feel quite insulted.

Mnken - Do you think Breds is not answering the questions for a reason? Do you think they believe we will finally run out of steam and give up?

no intent of answering.you is being played.shame.

Are they playing the Great Game True True?

Or is it another by rules only they know?

Is it a game at all?

What ARE the rules Breds? You said you would answer questions. By being polite and living up to your word, you could eliminate a lot of posts on this string.

To: I wonder.
Just to let you know I did answer your question above. However it was not posted, and justifyably so. I cannot seem to put my answer in a tactful way that would not seem offensive to BREDS. My opinions are strong, leaning in one direction only. In a way I am glad it was not posted. TBNet did a good job of screening my post, even though it is true.

It feels like Breds/Jakes is damaging the oh so pleasant vibes in the community by allowing this discussion to go on indefinitely. Seeing how the leadership of Breds and Jakes is one and the same, this ongoing annoyance of Breds not being forthcoming with answers affecting the whole community could also be hurting Jakes which is a lovely place. Mr. Henzell, I implore you to exhibit the fine leadership for which you are known. Step up and answer the questions. It is within your power to put an end to the bickering. Ignoring the problem will not make it disappear.

Breds are totally out of arder on this mater. yes shame.

Has anyone said anything here or anywhere else that would make Jason and the directors of BREDS choose not to discuss their plans openly?

Am I correct in guessing that if a discussion was initiated, any percieved dis etc would be displaced by cooperation and good communication?

Everywhere I go in Ja, I hear the same song:

"Wi haffi learn to Corporate!"

The spirit is there but maybe the flesh trimbles.

Where does the fear come from?

Is this acceptable?

mnken, cool down and find a way to put your feelings into words that are not so strong. We need to know what is in your head.

comeback, please print out this string and post it around the community. We need more people like you who are unafraid.

If I am the Don and you are the Dan then who answer
to who ?.

Today it is four WEEKS since Mrs. Kennedy submitted her questions to Breds exactly as instructed.

She has not yet received answers to her questions, much less an acknowledgment of them and a date when she might be expected to receive the answers.

I am not asking for a special exemption from Breds for Mrs. Kennedy because they promised to answer ALL questions. If Breds thinks Mrs. Kennedy is not entitled to be given answers because she is not a member of the community, they are sadly mistaken. Whether or not she lives here on a full time basis, one only has to look at the wonderful scholarship program to see her deep involvement in the community. She has also collected and distributed substantial funds for building materials after Hurricanes Ivan and Dean. Also she has helped with improvements to the schools and paying the salary of a teacher. What ELSE would she need to do to "prove" she is a member of this community and her voice counts?

It is high time for Breds to step up to the plate and demonstrate respect for Mrs. Kennedy. Breds is absolutely capable of acting in a professional manner. I believe that is all Mrs. Kennedy is asking and it is all I am asking of them.

The secrecy about what is going to happen at the Sports Park is making me very uneasy. If Breds does not have all the answers because the Sports Park is a work in progress, they should say so. There is NO shame in not having the answers to EVERY SINGLE THING. There should be shame in ignoring requests for answers.

There should be shame in any disregard for the environment. There should be shame in any disregard of the rights of property owners.

I must be very naive, but I am actually pretty surprised that no one from BREDS has taken the time to respond to the questions Ms. Kennedy sent. I wish I could understand why this has become so secretive and strange. What is the harm in answering people's questions?

Just a question for TBNet. This thread has been ongoing for some time and, as such, I have to scroll down pass many discontinued threads to find it. I suffer from bad eyesight, and since it's difficult to locate by date through all the other posts, is it possible to move this up the chronological ladder? If not, I'll understand. Thanks for keeping the topic current. Best REGARDS.

Mrs. Kennedy, for the record, have you heard from ANYONE at Breds since you sent in your questions? I am guessing not because I think you would have told us.

I am embarrassed and ashamed how Breds is treating this fine woman who has become so much a part of our community.

It has taken a long time, much soul searching, and many conversations with long-time friends and family in Treasure Beach for me to reach the sad conclusion that BREDS no longer deserves the respect I once had for their organization. I have always supported their many efforts, but now my mind is changed and all further donations will be made to other community groups.

For the record, I have never received any response or acknowledgement from BREDS even though I am clear they received my questions on August 3.

Though I would prefer to have my questions answered, I understand the people at BREDS are quite busy. For the time being, I would be satisfied if BREDS took the time to suggest a date when I would be hearing from them.

Reader, we're not able to move the links to threads up the page. But you could always book mark the link and go there directly.

You should be able to Right Click on this link and then make a bookmark of it.

Hope this helps.

-TBNet

A sentiment in a book I am reading could apply to Breds. It says "Building a reputation is far more important than building structures".

Thanks for your response TBNet. If only BREDS could be as responsive. Keep up the great service you're providing to the community.

I suspect BREDS thinks TB.net is an unimportant site and the people who read it are not all that important. If not, why would they be so unresponsive? For an organization that has done good works they have come to be a disappointment to me.

I personally know about 50 people who read this site at least once a week. I believe all of us are important. I know there are hundreds if not more than 1,000 people who come to this site for news, to find a possible rental and to learn more about the area. All of them are also important. The thing that's become way less important to me is Breds. I love the fishing tournament and I know the ambulance is providing a valuable service, but they have diminished themselves in my eyes. It takes a long time to regain trust and build a reputation back.

I am not stuck on myself and I am not rich, but I think I have some importance. When someone I admire is not treated well, this makes me question the group that is not living up to its promises.

Where is the peace and where is the park?

The relevant article is half way down.

http://www.iipt.org/newsletter/2008/october.htm

Here is the kit from this org. It states the guiding principles for creating a peace park. It sounds very much like what many here have been expressing the need for. I see no move to create this as was promised at the iipt meeting.

http://www.iipt.org/newsletter/2007/images/Peace%20Parks/PeaceParksKit.pdf

We have a PIECE of a park.

Please.... be good neighbors.... do not unto others as you would not want them to do unto you jeanie and tom

BREDS, the most prized thing you have is your reputation.

Got a call saying BOTH narrow lanes going off the main down to the Sports Park land are private. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

O.K. - Let's get this straight -
1. No roads.
2. No water.
3. No financing.
4. No answers.
5. No business plan.

I don't think there is much to worry about with the Sports Complex - they are not organized enough to pull this off.

Yes, both lanes are private. The Parish Council has never bothered with them and all the upkeep is paid for by the residents.

To No Worries: Bless you for summarizing the situation so well.

Yes No Worries, facts are facts.

What has been pulled off is the creation of expectations. Jobs, sports for all, sessions? modernity? park? etc.

These expectations are supported by some and not by others.

The only thing to show for all this is the damage to a local ecosystem. BTW where did the governments lignum vitae log/s go? I was ready to bid on it/them at auction!? I can hear the voices..."Is why dat bway turey no res imself!". My hearing is extraordinary :-)

Annoying like a gingi fly, you betcha. I prefer the hummingbird beloved by our old people.

Further off topic; I read of a Taino bohique (Science Man) on an island off Puero Rico that had used bees to warn off a threat.

A piece park is a lovely idea. I visited one in Maryland early in the summer, and it's a beautiful, contemplative space. Of course it's a wonderful idea to have a peace park in TB ... but this particular dedication feels a little disingenuous in the face of the issues that have come up in the debate over the sports park.

According to the kit Turey linked us to, here are the objectives of a peace park:

• To nurture the growth of peace and understanding at home and throughout the world.
• To enhance awareness of a community’s commitment to peace and a healthy environment.
• To create a common ground for members of the community to come together in celebration of their nation’s people, land, and heritage, and
the common future all humankind.
• A place of reflection on our connectedness to one another as a Global Family and to the earth of which we are all a part.

These are wonderful objectives. The "insider/outsider" divisions that have come up in discussions about the sports park, the seemingly deliberate silence that has come from BREDS in response to important questions, the dismissive attitude of some who seem to think the concerns of residents and visitors are annoying or petty or unimportant ... these things are definitely not in line with the peace park objectives.

It's great to have a peace park dedicated, but we need to live the values of that peace park, not just have it exist in name only.

"Mr. Jason Henzell, owner of Jakes Village and founder of BREDS Foundation (a non-profit charity) fulfilled his promise to delegates at the 1st IIPT International Community Tourism Retreat in June of this year – and to the Treasure Beach community on September 21, 2008, the UN International Day of Peace, with the dedication of the IIPT Desmond Henry International Peace Park in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.

Mr. Jason Henzell expressed his commitment to incorporate an IIPT Peace Park in the Treasure Beach Sports Development Project at the first IIPT Caribbean Community Tourism Retreat in June 2008 in Kingston, Jamaica. Dedication of the IIPT Desmond Henry Peace Park also marks the launch of a Jamaica Peace Parks Campaign with a goal of 11 other Jamaican communities dedicating a Park to Peace.

A cheerful group of community folks, combined with Henzell’s invited guests witnessed the planting of 50 trees of mixed variety, including palms and Poinciana’s, around the edge of a natural pond. It is envisioned that benches will be installed for seating to watch the natural wildlife - birds, ducks etc. who make use of the pond. The peace park will also serve as an ideal venue for conflict resolution, a place for the youth to meet, and the staging of special events".


Where is the Desmond Henry Peace Park?

Very true Tone, it's one thing to talk the talk at endless opening ceremonies for a Peace Park, Source Office, environmental plan, sports park, grounbreaking, etc. etc. etc. but to walk the walk is a whole different someting.

"The peace park will also serve as an ideal venue for conflict resolution"

Now yu talking. If this aspect of the project was first to start, I'm sure much would flow from that. Serene surroundings for enlightened exchanges.

The nearby nature grove, with benches, would have pleased Mr Henry.

50 trees were planted around the pond at the sports park? Where are they?

Two narrow, private lanes lead to the sports park land. There are private homes on both sides of each of the two lanes. There are exposed water pipes running down the side of each lane, often broken by careless motor vehicles. How are people supposed to be able to get in and out of the sports park with these obstacles? How are homeowners supposed to get in and out of their property if their lanes are blocked by vehicles? The seeming lack of advance planning of something so basic mystifies me.

Where IS the Desmond Henry Peace Park? He was a marvelous gentleman, and I would like to visit the park in his honour.

Here is the link to the presentation for the dedication of the Desmond Henry Peace Park by Sharon Parris-Chambers.

http://www.positivetourism.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3404 &Itemid=90

She says it all.

Now to do it!

I think today is five weeks since Mrs. Kennedy submitted her questions. Not providing answers is contrary to what I would have expected from an organisation that's done much in the district.

So the Desmond Henry Peace Park is one and the same as the BREDS Treasure Beach Sports Park?

I am now MORE vexed. It is more than FIVE WEEKS since Mrs. Kennedy submitted her questions to Breds in keeping with their instructions. Breds did not say they would pick and choose WHO to answer. They said they would answer ALL questions. Even if they are busy people, even if they have not one full time employee, I cannot understand why they could not take the time to answer even a FEW questions. I believe this would demonstrate Breds commitment to live up to its promises. It would show Breds is acting in a professional and concerned manner.

I find Breds actions in the matter well less than professional and respectful and I am embarrassed and ashamed.

I doubt Breds will respond to this but I would be delighted if they chose to do so.

Mrs. Kennedy, this could be private but I am asking you what you plan to do if Breds continues to ignore you.

Was Mr.Henry the same Tourism Minister for PJ? Where does the peace part come into play?

I apologize for asking the same question as I did two days ago but I cannot sort out the answer: So the Desmond Henry Peace Park is one and the same as the BREDS Treasure Beach Sports Park?

BREDS has just informed me of a BREDS General Meeting to be held at 5:00 p.m. at the Sandy Bank Primary School on September 22.

Yes, they are one and the same.

Thank you, Rebecca. If I got to the Sports Park, could you tell me where the 50 young trees are? My recollection is a large area fairly devoid of trees, a dry pond, two large nets, one or two sliding boards, an area with a lot of mature trees and a large pile of coarse marl dumped right inside the gate leading from Lancels private lane.

I cannot recall any small trees on the property, especially any small trees protected from goats or athletes.

I also did not notice any signage.

I thought it best answered by someone in TB Confused.

From the article, it appears that the Peace Park is a peice of the Sports Park.

I hope someone who knows will either confirm or correct this.

I realize the Breds BOD has a public meeting every quarter as they will on 22 September. Does anyone know how often they regularly schedule their non-public BOD meetings?

To Confused. I'm just not that familiar with the park so I don't know the answer to your question. Maybe someone else reading this can better advise you.

breds meet monthly I think.

It seems that BREDS has chosen to not answer any questions posted on this site. Therefore, we highly recommend you contact them directly or at least send BREDS a copy of any questions or comments you post here. That way you can be assured they are receiving your input.

As stated in a post on Monday, July 06, 2009 by BREDS: "We will answer all questions, so please feel free to email us at info@breds.org"

We agree there are issues which need to be addressed, however, as this website does not seem to be an effective way to address BREDS, we feel doing this may be more productive.

-TBNet

TB.net, I know you cannot make anyone respond. You can only SUGGEST they respond. Many of us have done likewise, and it has not been successful. For the life of me I cannot figure out why. I know Miss Kennedy followed the Breds "rules" by sending them her questions directly and she was not successful in getting answers. But thank you very much for your advice. You have done your best, and there are a LOT of us out there who will continue to follow TB.net even if the questions to Breds never get answered. I read TB.net for MANY reasons and most of them have nothing to do with Breds.

TB.net performs so many valuable services, and I applaud them for their middle-of-the-road stand on issues. I find it somewhat insulting BREDS chooses not to respond to them or to post anything here. I have a feeling BREDS will find this a valuable site when they want to promote something such as their fishing tournament and other things, several of which are supported financially by TB.net. Isn't that somewhat hypocritical?

At the last BREDS meeting it was mentioned that there were very few emails received by BREDS regarding Sports Park issues.

If you send your questions and/or comments to BREDS email address it may help them with organizing the upcoming meeting to include discussion of the issues brought up in the emails received.

Know I'm being sarcastic and am sorry for feeling this way but what good does it do to send emails to a group that doesn't respond to them?

To Sarcastic, have you sent them an email and they did not respond?

How many of you, other that Mrs. Kennedy, have sent emails to BREDS and received no response? I am very interested to know.

Sending an email to BREDS compromises the use of a non-de-plume.

Each here have their reasons for remaining anonymous. I empathise with BREDS if they do not want to answer questions from unknown people.

Still, a question once expressed is a space waiting to be filled, no matter who presented it. If it is not requesting private information and it affects the whole community what's the prob?

I'm sure there are a reasonable number of questions that could be presented that would represent what has been discussed here.

Maybe Mrs Kennedy would share a list of questions that seem common to all from her approach of fielding questions and sending them herself to BREDS. Anyone else have a list?

I'm sure Jason and/or the Directors of BREDS would accept a one page list and respond at the coming public meeting if it were prepared and presented beforehand.

No I did not send them an email.

If they continue to receive very few emails maybe they'll have more time to answer Mrs. Kennedy's questions.

It was my understanding that Mrs. Kennedy was taking questions from many people and sending them to BREDS. As Turey said, sending an email directly could mean using your real name and many people are wary of revealing their identities. Mrs. Kennedy's kind offer to take the responsibility of sharing others' questions using her name would also seem to have made answering questions easier for BREDS -- all questions consolidated in one list, on email to respond to -- but no one seems willing to take advantage of that ease.

I truly don't understand what is happening with BREDS. Part of me feels that it's wasting everyone's time to keep writing out our frustrations here. BREDS isn't paying us any attention; no one responds either here or in personal emails; there is no helpful information forthcoming from BREDS ... and our frustrations grow.

The BREDS site has yet to be updated. The most recent information I could find is from 2004. There are some more recent photos, but no written information that is dated more recently than 2004.

I know that the people who are part of BREDS have other work they must do. They have lives and jobs and other obligations. But the same is true for us all. Speaking for myself, when I make a commitment to participate in something, I make the time to do it. I do not get the sense that the same is true for BREDS. No one seems willing or able to step up and take on some of the community relations responsibilities that could make such an enormous difference in our perception of the organization.

We cannot force the people of BREDS to do anything they don't choose to do. Maybe it is time for us to turn our attention to groups that seems more willing to participate as true community members.

Turey, you said "Maybe Mrs Kennedy would share a list of questions that seem common to all from her approach of fielding questions and sending them herself to BREDS. Anyone else have a list?

I'm sure Jason and/or the Directors of BREDS would accept a one page list and respond at the coming public meeting if it were prepared and presented beforehand."

Mrs. Kennedy HAS sent such a list to BREDS. She did so nearly six weeks ago. I do not understand why you think a NEW list from her would be met with any more action or respect from BREDS than her original list. Could you please explain.

Turning attention away from BREDS, contribution wise especially, may serve to deepen any divisions that exist as a result of this Troubled.

The ambulance service and all the worthwhile things that BREDS has manifested would suffer too.

Maybe things will be made clearer at the meeting of the 22nd.

There has not been a post here that tried to diminish BREDS. Some of the actions done and proposed in it's name have been questioned.

Many wait to see reason, common sense and goodwill rule. We will all benefit, di deh, de yah an wa fi come.

It is sad to see all this STILL going on, I think the community needs a place like that, for all, and it could be a lot of fun, who is against it, think of the young people that need a place to relax, to stay out of trouble, to have a healtier lives. Ask a group of groing families, with kids, see what they would like. I do think the road and security control should de taking care of.

It may be duplicating TC, it also will make certain that a list is present at the meeting and not forgotten, misplaced etc.

To one love,
I agree that the community could benefit from a nice area where kids could play sports. That isn't the sole purpose of the sports park, however. What the community doesn't need is 1) overuse of narrow, residential roads that can barely support the limited traffic they get now, 2) no clearly-thought-out plan for a water supply to the park when the community water supply is already inconsistent, 3) large-scale events staged to raise money to help pay for the park but which bring excessive noise, traffic and possibly less-than-savory people/activities into the community.

I am all for having an athletic center for the community, a place for our local cricket teams to practice and compete, a place for kids to come and learn or teach sports. All of that sounds so good to me. But that's not what I'm seeing coming out of this park.

I feel certain if Mrs. Kennedy were assured her questions would be handled at the September 22 meeting, she would submit them. But it seems unfair to ask her to submit even more questions when she has not received the courtesy of a reply to her original questions. She has already stuck her neck out for many of us, and I think that is enough. It is time for others to step up to the plate using their real names as she has; right now I believe we are allowing her to do our "dirty work."

In follow-up to what I feel is the very valid point "Be Realistic" is making I am just curious, other than Karen Kennedy, how many of you have sent a message directly to BREDS regarding the sports park and how many of you have received a response?

I haven't seen a post from the people that live close to where the sports park are going to be built, what happen to those people, are they not concern,if not, why should the people that live in Billys Bay, Great Bay or even living further should be concern, they should be the one's fighting harder than other, I spoke to a few of them it seems to me they are not concern.

We have written. We have not received a response. I am not from Jamaica, but now live in TB for three months a year, and support the community.

Jeannie and Tom, how long ago did you write to BREDS?

We sent a message, and did not receive a reply. We are not from TB, but spend our winters there, and try to support the community.Tom and Jeanie

This seems to be all about respect, a word that may be used too frequently or without really thinking about what it means. Respect to the people who have taken the time to write to BREDS. Respect for the members of the community. Respect for the people who contribute money to BREDS. Respect to the tourists who help support the community. Respect for the environment. Respect to BREDS from BREDS because they are making some people look down on them, and this is hurting the reputation they worked hard to establish.

Apparently Karen, who speaks for many of us, also finds her questions ignored. I consider those my questions.

Not Concern - I have some ideas about why people close to the sports park are not speaking out. There is a very bad problem with the road access and also a big lack of water. Maybe they think these two factors will prevent construction so there is no reason to be concerned.

I have some suggestions which are being said in the spirit of pulling the community back together concerning the Sports Park controversy. I am saying these from the bottom of my heart and not as any form of accusation.

I think there is hardly a human being alive who objects to a good and safe place for our local youth to play sports. This includes Mrs. Kennedy and all the other people who have posted questions and objections on TB.net.

I think BREDS has done much good in the community, and I believe most people can definitely agree with that.

What people seem to be objecting to are, in my opinion, things BREDS has the power to remedy.

Above all, people want to be treated with respect. When BREDS leaves the impression that some people’s voices and opinions "count" less than others, even if this was not their intention, this gets people upset. This is what appeared to have happened at the June 22 Sports Park meeting.

BREDS handles lots of projects from the TBERU up to the Sports Park. This is a choice they have made. Even though they are doing a lot of things and planning a lot of things, they have chosen to be very quiet with the information they give out. They say what they want – and when they want to say it, and this is their choice and their right. But when people do not get information on important things that affect their lives, they can get upset. They can start rumors. They can add to rumors that are already circulating. I would suggest if BREDS is too busy to give out information and answer questions on a frequent basis, then they should consider having one of their many volunteers do this. It feels like something is the matter when they are planning something as big and important as a $2 million Sports Park but they don’t even have someone to provide information.

Not providing information and not answering questions make BREDS seem arrogant, and I do not believe this is their intention.

Thank you to the person who posted his/her feelings. I have another idea that I think would go a long way toward smoothing things. I think BREDS could inject a slight air of humility into its public face. For one, I would like to see ALL people who take the time to attend the September 22 meeting feel like they can comfortably speak their minds.

What amazes me most is the board of directors of BREDS who are all good and respected citizens in the community, many who post messages here and read this, have not taken even one minute to answer questions about the sports ground. Now the peace corps person is not responding to direct questions about his work at BREDS. It seems to me like everybody has been directed not to write anything on TBnet. To me this is not good citizenship or very neighborly. Hundreds if not thousands of Treasure Beach people living abroad are reading about this. It is arrogant and a bad mark against you all. Perhaps it is time to show more respect to your neighbors and convince the leadership that it is never too late to do the right thing.

"Perhaps it is time to show more respect to your neighbors and convince the leadership that it is never too late to do the right thing". I agree Tired of the Foolishness.

Leadership requires guts, brains and heart.

Followers need trust, hope and direction.

I sense much hope and the need for trust in a clear and sensible direction.

It seems some trust is based on promises and rewards in this situation. Our national runnings has shown the results of this strategy. Division and fear. Sorry, I'm not into denial!

I hope that heart takes control and summons humility and respect.

United we stand, divided is not an option.

United by what though?

This could be a foolish idea because I doubt it will every happen. Yet, I think so much could be solved by one simple gesture: BREDS could issue an apology, maybe at the September 22 meeting, to the people who have been hurt by their words even if they did not intend to hurt anyone. Then from here on out, they could go out of their way to be and sound more receptive to everyone's input.

Is anyone such as Rebecca willing to take notes at the upcoming Breds meeting and post them here?

For all of us who are not able to come to the meeting tomorrow night, will there be anyone posting meeting notes on this site? This would be very much appreciated.

Maybe the new BREDS website will be unveiled at the 22 September meeting.

You can bet BREDS will be VERY responsive when they are soliciting donations. I wonder if potential donors and sponsors will ever find out how much they chose to snub people before that.

This is not a new thought but I have not seen it written here. Lately there seems to be less and less regard for manners and an immense feeling of entitlement on the part of some celebrities or people in power. We have a congressman who seemed to see nothing wrong with screaming “you lie” to our President during a major televised speech. We have an international tennis star that went ballistic at a line judge. We have a recording star that actually took the microphone from an MTV award winner during her acceptance speech and made a speech of his own, leaving the award winner and the audience aghast. They all apologized, but we all know their apologies were forced and contrived and fairly meaningless. Each of them seemed to feel they were immune from the rules of normal decency because they are so powerful—that being incredibly rude was okay for someone of their stature. Is that what is happening in Treasure Beach?{edited by
TB.net} Being a leader does not give someone the right to do or say whatever one wishes. Being a leader, to me, means someone needs to take the time and thought to go out of his way to be as fair and kind as possible.

We are assuming the BREDS board reads TB.net. Does anyone really know if they do? If so, then I would agree with "Tired of the Foolishness". If not, I am wondering why they don't bother to read this as it talks about a lot that is going on with the community and its residents. As for the Peace Corps person, you only need look into the window of the Source office to see him on his computer, so his avoidance of posting on this site is plain frustrating.

I am a director of an organization. If the top management did not alert me to important situations that affected my organization I would be angry enough to resign.

I agree with you "Against rudeness". When a member of congress can be so lacking in control that he can blurt out "you lie" to the legitimately elected President of the USA, what kind of example are being set by our leaders?

Leaders need to be very sensitive to the kind of impressions they leave and the examples they set - more than the average man in the street. This is a responsibility that goes along with being a leader.

Is the Peace Corp worker Dennis the same person who took time to report about his bicycle pump being stolen?

Remember that your audience is always bigger than you think it is. If anyone thinks very few people read TB.net, they are sadly mistaken. They need to acknowledge is that we live in a communication environment where our actual audience is much wider than what we may imagine. In other words, even if you think this site is not read by many people, the audience reached is much bigger than the regular readers of TB.net. Even if one does not value the readers of TB.net, the messages on it are being spread far and wide. Presumably, some of those people may be exactly those who might be solicited for large donations for the sports park.

I think it is the same Dennis.

Breds, will you be posting meeting notes here?

From what someone told me, the meeting was pretty interesting but I hardly got any details. Also we have heard from Mr. Batchelor a few times recently about the meeting going to happen and also the ambulance. So I am asking Mr. B if he would be kind enough to post some notes here or tell us when someone from Breds will be doing this. I am hoping this being willing to share things will be a positive turn for Breds on this site and in the community.

If I could have been at the meeting I would have been but I could not. This does not mean I am not interested in what happened.

I do not understand why there are no meeting minutes posted. I do not understand why there is nothing from Breds saying IF or WHEN they will be posted.

Is Breds waiting for Rebecca or someone else not from Breds who attended to post something?

Breds does good things in the community. Why are they being so reluctant to do things like post meeting notes and answer questions? I don't understand all this. It doesn't make sense to me.

Boy oh boy do I "second" what Don't Understand wrote. Plus I'm guessing Mrs. Kennedy never got one single answer or I bet she would have posted that here.

Jamaica Information Service on BREDS and community development, May 15 '03:

"The small close-knit community of Treasure Beach in South West St. Elizabeth is the envy of many communities across Jamaica, as it fosters a strong spirit of volunteerism, a shared vision for the development of the area and a determination for every one to be his brother's keeper".

I think most residents and fans of TB are in agreement with this.

I'm hoping that BREDS will continue their good works and include us in their visions.

I was hoping someone else would post notes of the meeting as mine were jotted down quickly and not extremely thorough. But I guess they are better than none at all. For anyone that was there, please let me know if there are any errors in the notes.

First, I have to say how very disappointed I was in the lack of attendance. There were about 10 BREDS representatives and 8 others present. Considering the amount of attention this organization has received on this site over the past few months I would have thought the attendees would be scrambling for seats. If you really are concerned about these issues and are in the area, then come to the meeting and voice your opinion. I wouldn't blame BREDS if they did not bother with another meeting because judging by the attendance at this one, there really is not that much interest in hearing of BREDS projects. I know everyone will have a reason or excuse for why they didn't attend, but the bottom line is hardly anyone attended.

Second, I would highly recommend if you have comments, suggestions or questions regarding anything discussed at this meeting in addition to posting them on TB.Net, please, please send them to info@breds.org. To date, very few questions have been sent directly to them. Kinda like the meeting attendance, everyone has something to say but no one is acting on it or is it everyone is depending on a few to fight their battles? If you have a strong opinion about something, make your voice heard at the appropriate place. I've often say, if you don't vote, you can't complain about the persons in office. Well, if you don't send in your questions to the email provided, then you can't complain about the questions not being answered. The way I hear it, only a few persons have the right to complain.

So here are my notes:

Jason Henzell, BREDS director, started off the meeting welcoming all present.

Norma Moxam, BREDS director, announced a new Director of BREDS. Ambassador Curtis Ward, Jamaican Ambassador to the UN has joined BREDS as a director. She further stated how it is good to have people from the community who have left the community give back and get involved in the community.

Zane Ebanks, BREDS director, gave a report on BREDS and education. She stated that education is key and BREDS is always there to assist them. BREDS has funded an assistant teacher for this semester for Grade 6, Ms. Tatty Gayle. They’ve also funded an assistant teacher for Grade 1, Ms. Taylor. BREDS working with the US Peace Corp installed cement wall partitions in between grades 3 & 4 and grades 4 & 5. BREDS has ordered white boards to replace the black boards. Through BREDS Mr. Bicknell from Tankwell has donated the supplies for the gate for the driveway. BREDS working with Leslie Bailey and the EFJ were given a grant which provided tables and chairs for the Sandy Bank Basic School.

Andrew Scott, Manager of The Source, gave a report on the many services The Source is now offering including faxing, PC repairs, printing, Visa and passport applications, business report services, Jamaica National small business loans, internet café, and the Jamaica National ATM.

Mr. John Batchelor, BREDS director, gave the report of the ambulance currently being off the road due to brake problems. They were sourcing out a brake specialist to repair the ambulance. He then announced a (new to us) used ambulance was being donated to BREDS by the County of Essex in Canada. They are currently working out the importing of the ambulance and hope, if all goes according to plan, to have it here in about six months. The same persons responsible for this donation are also sponsoring a team to come down and train persons to be ambulance technicians and possibly in the future EMTs. BREDS will be looking volunteers willing to be trained and funding for the training. Special note of thanks was made later in the meeting to O’Neil James. He drove the guests around who were from the County of Essex and through his knowledge and information they learned of the ambulance service and the need for a “new” one. The phone for the ambulance service has now been transferred to the BREDS office for during the day and the number is forwarded to persons on duty for the night. A cell phone has been purchased for the ambulance service and will be put in use shortly. BREDS will be publicizing the cell phone number once the phone is in operation.

Tamisha Dyght, BREDS director, gave an update on BREDS events. The 13th Annual Hook ‘n Line Tournament in conjunction with the 2nd Annual South Coast Hook ‘n Line Tournament will be held Heroes Weekend. Many prizes will be given including a 20 horse power engine, life vests, rolls of wire, etc. There will be boat races and for the first time this year a sand castle building contest. The official launch will be held at Sunset Resort on Friday, September 25. Registration fee is $600 JA per boat to enter. Registration begins on Monday, September 28 and goes through October 15. $300,000 JA has already been raised through this tournament. Proceeds will benefit BREDS. The Triathlon will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2010.

Silvan Walker, BREDS director, updated us on the Calabash Bay Postal Agency. It has now been fitted with electricity. BREDS will be paying the JPS bills. The building will be artistically painted by Sally Henzell. Keith (did not get last name) donated a standing fan. A ceiling fan has been purchased and will be installed. Mr. Walker is sure now that the postal agency is more comfortable Miss Sharon will greet all of us with an even broader smile.

Norma Moxam, BREDS director, updated us on a BREDS sponsored project held with Cookie Kinkead. Ms. Kinkead held a photography club for 6 Treasure Beach boys aged 15 – 17. BREDS provided the digital cameras. Unfortunately, one camera was stolen during the workshop. The club was one week and included them having to get up and meet at 5:00 a.m. for sunrise shots and stay until sunset. The photography which came out of this workshop is amazing. BREDS is in the process of making these into post cards which will be on sale in the BREDS office. Some of the proceeds will go to the photographers. They are planning an exhibition of their work when the postcards are ready.

Jason Henzell, BREDS director, updated us on the BREDS website. They are currently working on a 1st class website which due to the amount of work involved is now scheduled to be ready by the end of the year. The website will include a Frequently Asked Questions section along with postings of the decisions made at the BREDS meetings, BREDS accounts, a list of guest houses and villas who contribute to BREDS, a list called Breds of BREDS listing donors to BREDS, and a bio on each of the BREDS directors. BREDS is adopting a “best practices” policy for NGO’s. BREDS has two main items to accomplish in 2010 for the Sports Park. One is to construct a building housing six bathrooms and a storage room and the other is to start on the Children’s Playing area. They are currently getting quotes on the work and will then seek funding. They are not going to rush the process.

Dennis, Peace Corp Representative gave a report and thanks to all he has worked with. He was grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the staff at The Source, working on the process to get the ambulance imported, and working on the construction of the partitions for the school. He stated that he loved working with everyone and is now working with the US Peace Corp on a next volunteer.

Dennis Abrahams, BREDS director, gave a report on the fishing industry in Treasure Beach and BREDS involvement. He discussed BREDS involvement with the Nature Conservancy Group and through this his trips to Belise and Miami to discuss the fishing industry and the state of coral reefs. He attended the Fisheries Division meeting held in Clarendon and suggested an area of St. Elizabeth be designated as one of the conservation areas. This area is being looked at now and is located just west of Black River. Due to fishermen building larger boats and traveling further out to sea BREDS is in the process of working with the Fisheries Division on creating a navigation workshop to be held in Treasure Beach. This workshop would further educate fishermen on how best to navigate in the far sea waters. The radio is working. Big thanks was given to Kory South at Sunset Resort for this. The 4 fishing canoes that were donated by Food for the Poor were distributed to the 4 fishing bays a few years ago. The agreement was these boats needed to be working fishing boats or they would be taken to another village. Unfortunately, after some captain changes, etc. there are only 2 boats left in the area. The other 2 have been pulled from the area and brought elsewhere due to the unsuccessful use of the boats. One of the two boats has been seeing successes and they are very proud of the captain and crew.

At this point the meeting was opened up to questions.

Katie Loveday of IJamaica gave a brief report on IJamaica’s plan to purchase tote bags and sell them in the local shops and supermarkets along with running a campaign to cut down on the scandal bag use.

Sally Henzell mentioned a new software program which will be available soon at the BREDS office for literacy training. She said it is a great and fun approach to learning to read and encouraged everyone to spread the word of its availability to view at the BREDS office.

Tamesha Dyght mentioned that it must be noted Andrew, at The Source, cannot and should not be monitoring what the children are doing on-line. He cannot supervise all internet activities and run the office and should not be expected to.

She further mentioned attending a meeting with the Commissioner of the Road Traffic Act and was told we should be getting speed and school zone signs for the area by the end of the year.

Jason Henzell thanked Norma Moxam for suggesting these meetings and she responded saying, “Transparency is the game.” Jason further mentioned BREDS is on a path for adopting best practices for an NGO. He stated what a great honor it was to have Ambassador Ward join the BREDS board as he is bringing a wealth of knowledge and the possibility of opening doors for further projects. Mr. Henzell was looking forward to the completion of the BREDS site as this will inform persons of each direction BREDS is taking.

Annabelle Todd asked who people can contact to get specific questions answered prior to the site’s completion. A discussion ensued regarding questions, answers and BREDS involvement. The result of this discussion was people can contact BREDS through their email address. In addition, Mr. Batchelor assured us he and Mr. Walker were working on answering many questions currently being asked and those answers should be forthcoming.

Rebecca Wiersma representing TB.Net thanked Mr. Batchelor and stated she looked forward to TB.Net and BREDS working more closely in the future.

A vote of thanks was given by Mr. Batchelor and the meeting was adjourned.