Opening ceremonys to be held Dec.16 @ the Lionel Densham Aerodrome In Treasure Beach,Now we can fly to T.B.

Please tell me this is NOT for those horribly loud sea planes.

IS THIS A JOKE?

By invitation only.

Is this a fact that it is by invitation only?

So how much would a one way fare from Mobay to TB cost? While were at it, and a round trip would be how much?

No we can fly to TB what is the rate? from where to where.

I hope this venture fails, because of the noise! how disappointed that treasure beach, unspoiled, quiet and as constantly referred to in numerous reviews as 'somewhere of the beaten track' will now be on the track! loud, noisy, and too many tourist for the area. I bet you that the 'normal' people who cme to treasure beach still wont be able to afford the fare to fly from mobay to TB! i thought it wasnt going ahead? {edited by TBNet}

I am thinking this is a joke. If not why has no one mentioned building something like this after all the people who were very upset at the idea of any kind of airport in Treasure Beach for the seaplanes or for any other type of plane? If this is not a joke it would be appreciated if someone would post more details.

To turn from disapproval to acceptance at the mere thought of convenience, and the saving of time. This is commercialization. Lets not forget the thoughts of the people living in the vicinity of this landing site. More importantly the wildlife and the impact on them. I will personally continue to love the long stringent ride from Montego Bay to Treasure Beach and its many wonderful sights, sounds, and taste.

From Facebook: "Treading Lightly Developments, LTD Something we are grateful for this Thanksgiving: the soon-to-be Lionel Densham Aerodrome in Treasure Beach!! You will soon have an affordable and easy way to fly right into our sweet spot in the universe. (photo courtesy of sally henzell)"

Also see http://treadinglightlyja.tumblr.com/.

Draw your own conclusions as to who may be behind this airport.

We have confirmed that the initial post about the opening ceremony is true, but that is all.

If anyone has more factual details, please post them here.

-TBNet

I am all for the entrepreneurs and welcome new business in Treasure Beach. Whenever I visit I do my best to try out the new places to see if they are to my liking, and I return to them if they are. I see this airport as a very selfish business and one I would not support. The noise and pollution factors would be the biggest reasons. I think this airport is designed for the wealthy traveler and also some occasional government officials who do not wish to be bothered with the ride from MoBay, not the typical visitor to Treasure Beach. I also think it has gone up in total disregard to the community at large. This could be an awful thing to say, but I hope this business fails.

Interesting: The Wild Onion and South Jammin run into problems because their noise disturbs the surrounding neighbors. Did anyone consider the noise of an airplane taking off and landing in an area surrounded by residences before permission for this airport was granted? Fair is fair.

flying is NOT "treading lightly" it leaves a big old ugly noisy dirty footprint.

Reading this string has given me a headache and I am located 3,000 miles away so it's not yet from the noise. The first time I went to Treasure Beach I thought the ride would never end but I loved seeing everything along the way. Now I look forward to our stop at Border Jerk and little shops along the way. Oh how I wish this airport was located near Sandals Whitehouse or some other place that houses tourists inside a fence instead of messing up a place that attracts true travelers and visitors.

Jason Henzell Honouring an Ancestor in Naming of Aerodrome?

When it comes to the History of Aviation in Jamaica, it should come as no surprise that Jason, with a flying explorer heritage on his mother's side of the family (Lionel Densham), if the opportunity (or inclination) presented itself, would pay homage to a tenacious pioneer.

"Though no one knows exactly when the first aeroplane came to Jamaica, the first documentation of any plane in the island was that of Capt. Holland from Canada whose seaplane was landed off the coast of Port Antonio in January 1930.
This visit generated a lot of curiosity among the locals, many of whom crowded the landing area in order to get a glimpse of the plane which he later flew to Kingston. The fascination with aeroplanes grew and led to several failed attempts by Jamaicans to make and successfully fly one. However, it was Lionel Densham, who finally succeeded in flying an aircraft after having failed several times before".}

PHOTO LINK:
www.anngel.com/ACIJ/history-soaringtonewheights.htm

[edited by TB.Net]

how how HOW can there suddenly be an airstrip "opening" announcement?

what about the planning, the needed legal documents and whatever else is needed when one decides an airstrip is a must in a community that does not even have water on some days.

priorities seem upside down
[edited by TB.Net]

There is a saying where I live: Not In My Backyard. We call it NIMBY for short. This refers to the people who want something but they don't want it near them. An obvious example would be a prison. We know we need them but people don't want one near their own home. They want them far enough away to feel safe in their own home and not to have their property values diminished, so it's OK with them if they are in someone else's backyard.

[edited by TB.Net]

I am looking for some facts on this airport. Where is it located? How much will flights cost and how would someone schedule one? How much luggage can you carry? What happens if a flight is booked and there is bad weather? I would be interested in additional facts if they are available.

Ascording to a comment by Treading Lightly on the Facebook page: approx. US$240 for three people and luggage from MoBay. They emphasize this is an estimate.

Almost amusing they don't see the irony of "treading lightly" promoting an airstrip.

Sigh.

Just out of curiosity: when and how was permission granted for this construction?

This plane would not be flying at night time so why make a big fuss over this. Anyone that can afford and do not mind flying that is their choice.

I see nothing wrong with this we are living in the 21st century and progress is what makes the world go round and round.

There are so many other things to complain about,loud music from shops/clubs,loud music from cars that make your heart pound when you stop beside them, loud speakers going around with blasting telling us all that is going to take place mostly dance hall music advertisements.

Let us be real here and embrace progress.

Congratulations to the Henzell nee Densham family. If it were not for Sally and then Jason, Treasure Beach would have a very high unemployment as well as no visitors that does bring some foreign exchange into the area. Although I sometimes wonder how much of it stays here.

The so called "main south coast road" which is the road from Calabash Bay through to Hopewell, is so bad and full of bush, that a stranger coming into the area must think that wild animals are going to jump out on them.

Maybe now that there is an easier way to get to Treasure Beach, it will create more jobs and bring in more money.

All we have to hope for is that Jason will allow guests staying at other places other than Jakes, to get on the plane from wherever, to Treasure Beach. I hope it is not just there for the convenience of Jake's. It would be great to give other properties a break.

Moonrakers Aerodrome may be better. It took a team for V-ictory. Remembering old days fondly.

There is something as important as an airport opening in less than two weeks in TB and we are given only a hint about it by someone named Tree Farmer. How informative and neighborly.

Click into their Facebook page and the person/s whose company Treading Lightly is says:-

"a rough estimate of cost from mobay is approx $240usd, seating three persons + luggage! just approx. cost for now".

They are also building houses/selling lots in TB and are apparently based at BREDS - thats what is says!

I seem to recall some of the issues when a potential seaplane business was being discussed. Here are some questions now raised by an aerodrome in the area of Treasure Beach:

1. Noise and annoyance of a plane (when most people it seems appreciate Treasure Beach and its environs for the peace and quiet)

2. BIG CONCERN: the local drivers that make their living transporting visitors to airports to Treasure Beach. What an impact this new plane service will have on their income.

3. Or is the airstrip for the elite person [edited by TB.Net]
4. Will there be an ambulance parked at the airstrip in case of an accident? How will that be handled should there be an accident?

5. Do the immediate residents of this airstrip KNOW whats going to happen? Starts out few trips and then develops into a roaring business ...

6. How come an aerodrome can be "placed" without the community generally knowing about it? Surely there must be many legal documents filed to have such a thing as this approved. Where are they?

[edited by TB.Net]

Future [edited by TB.Net] Vision:
Treasure Beach will be like Negril!

[edited by TB.Net]

Any clarification from the developers of this aerodrome (Jason Henzell and partners) would be appreciated.
(BTW - Who are the "partners)?

I talked to Jason a few weeks ago and he confirmed that a little aerodrome is near completion and should be open in the new year. It will service a small plane owned by Island Outposts and ferry guests from MoBay. I didn't ask what the fare would be but I presume it will cost significantly more than a taxi. The airfield is located just off the Short Hill road, near to the bottom of the hill. You can see the large new road leading to it on the left of the road as you head downhill just before you reach the main. I haven't yet seen the actual airfield.

Where will the Aerodrome be located?

These are the guidlines that our Civil Aviation Authority follow for Aerodromes.

http://www.scribd.com/Annex-14-ICAO/d/5509407

It's 436 pages long.

Call me stupid, but if there is to be an opening ceremony, shouldn't there be an existing Aerodrome...on top of the bluff maybe....or is this just an ugly rumour started by irresponsible rumour mongers? What happened to the guide-lines TBNet...you sleeping...must be the cake recipe!!

Ms Janet Todd...Was Lionell Densham the grand uncle or the grandfather of Jason Henzell? Did you or anyone known to you ever fly with him? Did he keep a plane somewhere in Manchester and give rides to friends and locals? Was it generally known that he was a PIONEER in the Aviation History of Jamaica?

Please fill in the blanks, as far as you know.

Lionell Densham was the grand uncle to Jason. sally's father was Basil and his brother was Lionell. Lionell lived at Gilnock in the Parish of St. Elizabeth.

Lionell was a great character. He was a bit excentric. He had a polo field at Gilnock and I personl;ally with my family would go there on a weekend to watcha polo game. Those were the good old days my friends.

About the flying, I cannot comment.

To Button Bay:

You say: "All we have to hope for is that Jason will allow guests staying at other places other than Jakes, to get on the plane from wherever, to Treasure Beach. I hope it is not just there for the convenience of Jake's. It would be great to give other properties a break."

Does Jason prevent guests from other places from eating and drinking at Jake's or Jack Sprat? He is a businessman, first and foremost. I would not worry that your guests will not be accommodated. A dollar is a dollar whether it comes from your guests or his.

Pleas stop the talking about noise from a little plane.It is not a jet.People you all should be happy for this convenience and I cannot see it taking away business from the other drivers.
Take your regular drive from air port to TB and enjoy your ride, let the ones that can afford this plane ride enjoy theirs also.

Good Luck To All....Times Are Changing For The Best.

Congrats to Jason and co. for making this air strip
venture a reality. Although this might only be for the priviliged few I personally regard it as something good. Travelling to Mobay and back nowadays is to hell and back. $10,000 and a new front end for your will cost more than a plane fare.
I was one who was against the sea plane landing in Great Pond, the noise was one main reason, with Great Pond located in the heart of Treasure Beach. This new airstrip is about 2 1/2 miles outside of TB on the hill above Newell. I dont hear any complain about noise polution from anyone from Newell or Short Hill- the few people talked to welcome the idea. I am glad it will only be used in daylight, that means if there is any contrabrand activity at night the cops will know what to do.

I find this development quite repugnant. My reasons have to do primarily with the possible environmental and noise pollution.

{edited by TBNet}

is this another air stip to bring drugs in the country.

Excuse me for being a bit confused but would someone plase describe exactly where the location is with respect to Jakes. I would also like to know if that location is in a residential area. Thank you.

congratulation jason again you always try to uplift treasure beach and do something wonderful for the community.

What pollution? If the people living in Short Hill and Newell are not complaining why are the heart of Treasure Beach which is Sandy Bank/Frenchman/ Calabash Bay Great Bay/ Billy's Bay be complaining?

What about those "BIG TRUCKS" that you have to drive behind for miles expelling their thick black pollution in the air because the roads are too narrow for us to pass them.

That is the pollution that everyone in Jamaica should complain about.
I hope you all will stop and think wisely and let progress take place.

AERODROME ISSUES: ZONING (Noise Abatement...Safety...Public Notices to Inform Affected Parties...Hearings)...AVIATION REGULATIONS (Approved Flight Corridors...Scheduling...Air Traffic Control...Runway Length & Safety Area...Rescue Services...Aviation Fuel Storage)...PUBLIC RELATIONS (Community and Stakeholder Empowerment/ Feedback)

How very interesting to revisit the Aerodrome issue, which as we recall began as a seaplane, possibly landing on the TB Great Pond.
If memory serves me, many community voices were raised, including property rights of the immediately affected neighbours, noise and environmental pollution (NOMAS: Not Over My Air Space).

We even learned from Jason Henzell, at meetings, that some stakeholders were upset enough to attempt to sabotage landings by mining the pond with some form of detritus.
Questions about aviation regs, permitting and zoning and what advantages would accrue to the greater community took center stage. As far as the TB.Net media was concerned, the thought of planes landing near Treasure Beach may have seemed to have gone into some form of hibernation.
So at the top of this thread when Tree Farmer, in a celebratory tone, announces the Opening Ceremonies of an aerodrome on December 16th, many may have been taken aback.

{edited by TBNet}

Just guessing, but a map of Island Outpost Hotels and villas might suggest potential flight corridors to other aerodromes in Negril, near Kingston (Tinson Pen), North Coast (Boscobel) and Pt Antonio (Ken Jones). www.islandoutpost.com/hotels_villas/


Some Insights into the Airport Authority of Jamaica (AAJ):
The Airport Authority of Jamaica (AAJ)..."Established in 1974 under the Airports Authority Act as an independent statutory body, the AAJ has primary responsibility for the nation's airports and four aerodromes.
(Treasure Beach's Lionel Densham Aerodrome would be the number five!)

It was in the late 1990s that the Government handed the organisation the mandate of developing and operating a safe and secure airport system and the responsibility for implementing its privatisation goals in keeping with international trends.

(Under airport/aerodrome privatization trends by the AAJ)..."the approved airport operator is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations in keeping with specific performance criteria and prescribed international standards."

(As relates to the convenience and business of Island Outpost properties Goldeneye/Ian Fleming Villa & Bolt House)...In Boscobel, St Mary, the aerodrome is also being upgraded as an international entry point and will be ready for private jets in June 2010. Upgrading work at Boscobel is expected to cost about $200 million. The runway at the aerodrome will be completed by December 2009.

"This is expected to be a significant complement to tourism development in the area," Richards said, noting that the aerodrome will facilitate big spenders who have homes nearby and do not wish to pass through either international airports.

www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091029/news/news3.html

REFERENCE: JAMAICA-VISION 2030::Page 12 thru 16/Section 2.2)

The regulatory areas under the responsibility of the JCAA can be categorized into two (2) main areas: flight safety and economic regulation. Flight safety includes the licensing of industry personnel and continued safety and security oversight of all aviation service providers. Economic regulation relates to the regulation of airport services and charges, permits for charter flights and air transport licences to aircraft operators.

Additionally the Authority provides air navigation services incorporating air traffic management, air traffic control training and aeronautical information services..
taking off } } } }}
www.mtw.gov.jm/general_information/reports/Vision%202030%20Jamaica%20-%20Final%2 0Draft%20Transport%20Sector%20Plan%20_Jul.pdf

"....the cops will know what to do". You sure bowled me over with that one Bowl!

I will just put my next trip on hold until the air-strip is open for business.The worst part of my travel ever,is always the drive from Mo-Bay.
Airport in Kingston and Montego-bay....People live there too.Days of the banana boat is long gone...

Jason and I have had our disagreements in the past even though we are good friends. I was one that was vehemently opposed to landing the sea plane in the pond for many obvious reasons. However, he has built this airstrip in a non-residential area with the approval of the residents who, by the way, are absolutely thrilled with it. I am sure that he has got all the permits that are required for this airstrip. This airstrip is NOT in Treasure Beach per se but is on the Short Hill road (from the Police Station)

I agree, there are some things that should be made public to the community, but I can't honestly see why he has to come on this forum and tell everyone if he sneezes. Is everyone else doing that? Of course not.

This is not an international airport for heavens sake. There may be one or two flights a week with a small chartered aircraft and simply gives people options of getting to Treasure Beach. How intrusive is it really?

Miss Todd, you sound like a level headed woman and I respect the things you say here. I am curious about the sorts of things you believe WOULD be appropriate to make public to the community.

Most certainly Jason does not have to tell people every time he sneezes. He is under no obligation to report anything whatsoever. After all the fuss over the seaplanes, however, there might be an understanding that people are overly sensitive about ANYTHING to do with airplanes in or around Treasure Beach. A concise statement of the facts may have served to make this development into something interesting and positive instead of something that has clearly upset many people.

Here's a map of the approximate location for the aerodome along with some other landmarks. Its approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) inland from the coast as the crow flies.



-TBNet

@'Response' you state that 'people' may be overly sensitive about anything to with airplanes in and around Treasure Beach'. What 'people' are you referring to? People who have internet access and can vent their disapproval on a forum? 'People' who want Treasure Beach to remain the same as it was when they came here 10 years ago and bought land? I live in Treasure Beach and for all intents and purposes grew up here. I talk to many many people who were born, bred and grew up here and I can tell you that the vast majority of those 'people' think it's a wonderful thing and a source of great pride to have an 'airstrip' in their community.

Personally I would love to know the demographics of the 'people' who disapprove. Where are they from? What involvement do they have in Treasure Beach? Are they tourists, ex-pat residents, local fishermen/farmers, business owners,returning Jamaican residents?

I believe those that disapprove are in the vast minority in this case, but have better access to expressing their opinion.

My two cents.

to a.todd i totally agree with you everything you said is true.am from tb and i dont see why everyone is making a big fuss over every little thing thats is good for the community. changes is a goog thing we are not living in the 50 centry.

I respect your opinion Miss Todd, and I am glad you are sharing your knowledge with others. I am a tourist who has stayed at several places in Treasure Beach. I will tell you once when I was there that seaplane flew by and I was quite disturbed from the unexpected noise. Our son was sleeping and the noise awakened him to the point he was crying, and he is normally a very happy baby. When you ask who would be overly sensitive about airplanes in and around Treasure Beach, you can count my husband and myself in. You said yourself you were not in favor of the seaplanes. I have not driven outside of Treasure Beach except to arrive and depart, but from the map it doesn't look like there will be the sort of noise from these airplanes as there was from the seaplane I heard. The point I am trying to make is it would have been appreciated if more information was shared at the outset of this conversation. I rely on this site for up-to-date information about what is happening in the community we have chosen to vacation in.

Shops are closing
Guesthouses/Hotels for Sale
People have to go abroad to work
zero business in the summer(ask the boat captains and taxi drivers)
hard to find money to pay the JPS bill,Water,
Hotel/Guesthouses closing for up to 4 month
hope your Baby can sleep-we can not

Interesting that Miss Todd says: I was one that was vehemently opposed to landing the sea plane in the pond for many obvious reasons.

In a later posting she says: I talk to many many people who were born, bred and grew up here and I can tell you that the vast majority of those 'people' think it's a wonderful thing and a source of great pride to have an 'airstrip' in their community.

Miss Todd appears to have "inside" information most of the readers of TB.net do not. Presumably this is why she was opposed to seaplanes but is not opposed to the airstrip.

All I want is enough information to be able to come to my own conclusions, whether or not they matter to anyone else.

I wonder how some of us would manage without this forum where we can fight every good thing in sight? Tell you the truth I am just tired of the negatives. We are just a "beat down and tear down" set of people. Live and let live nuh man?

Re aerodome:Stu Wing thanks for the information. TB.net thanks for the map.I have no plans to utelise this service but like the option.It appears to me that some of the concerns should have been adressed at the governmental level.The questions,Was an impact study done? Did residents have the oppurtunity to voice their concerns and have them adressed in an open forum? it appears that most complaints come from TB. are we hearing from the residents of Newell? ACURATE INFORMATION is the only road to wise choices

I agree that developments that will effect the community should give sufficient notice and explain the intent and process of the venture.

I hope there will be no flyovers to show TB by air. The noise breaks the spell of quite and laid back.

To have a landing spot for air ambulances will be a benefit.

[edited by TB.Net] Live and let live, that cliche has worn thin,follow your own advice, let view-points contend...negative is just a perspective.

I would like to know if this service is available only to guests of Island Outposts properties or if anyone coming to TB may call to request a reservation.

[edited by TBNet} nobody said that you have to use this airstrip..its quite simple, persons who want to take advantage of this new developement which i consider a good thing are free to do so..{edited by TBNet}!! this is not even located in treasure beach!! the residence of shorthill and newcomb vally are with it..a meeting was held with them and they gladly wecomed the idea so i dont see why some a yall be complaining...let other people live! i saw that some body said that 2 many tourists will be comming in TB..now seriously people, think about the others who makes a living from tourism the guest house owners, some villas are hardly opened even in the peak of the season...craft/gift shops tourguides fishermen and farmers..if you were living here then you would be tired to hear the people saying "ah di season nutting naa gwan" {edited by TBNet} think about the youths who want an education whose parents cant afford and need jobs..this developement is a gate to employment for persons who have families to support.....SEN UP DI FLAG YES!! BIG UP TO JASON! STR8 PROGRESS WI SEH! OH!

Well said Jenny.I know this will be done and then will be all forgotten. I myself do not see any harm in this whatsoever,not implying you do. The little plane land in the day time who is it hurting from what I see on that Google Map.
Like I said in my earlier posting there are far worst pollution to be addressed.

Good Luck To All.

To all you critic, out their it's not good to be criticizing what other people is doing for TB your'e robbing all of us the pleasure of some very fine things that we never had in TB before.

Those who wish to fly .. FLY
Those who wish to drive ... DRIVE
and
Those who wish to walk or tek donkey ... WALK OR TEK DONKEY.

Why pay any more attention to this aerodrome.

Time is the gift of those patient.

Next Thursday is the grand opening, I can't wait to hear the cost for flying to Treasure Beach from Montego Bay - Please post some pictures of the opening.

Am I imagining the grand opening is private, yet it was announced on TBnet? The aerodrome is legitimate public news so I believe it was fitting and proper to announce it here, especially if more facts came with the announcement. Where I am from which is Canada not Jamaica, I was taught it is bad manners to talk about a party or event in front of others who have not been invited because it could make the uninvited feel left out.

People are assuming Rebecca will be able to post pictures. If you read up this string, it appears she was not necessarily in the know about this entire matter. I would not necessarily assume she will be at the grand opening.

Learned from a very Reliable Source (CB) that during the 1950's on JamRock, there were upwards of 30 small airfields throughout the Island. This was well before the later ganga trafficking era of the 1980s and beyond when the government was constantly closing (illegal) clandestine airstrips.

So in a way, for pleasure, convenience and economic purposes, the opening of the LD Aeodrome, at Newell. is a Return to the Future.

"Jamaica's physical infrastructure developed primarily in response to the demands of the sugar and bauxite industries. The country's geography, especially its mountainous terrain, directly affected both the development of a transport network and integration of the economy. Because of the central corridor of mountains, the island's roads were generally divided between north and south, winding along the various ports on the island's coast.
As late as the 1880s, it was still cheaper to send goods within Jamaica by sea rather than by land because of the mountains. Eventually, north-south roads were constructed, passing through the scenic heights of the rising interior. Although north-south roads improved island-wide transportation considerably, even in the 1980s a 198-kilometer drive from Montego Bay to Kingston required about 4 hours, compared with an air passage of only 20 minutes." (Photius Coutsoukis)

In a previous posting, which was edited, I harmlessly tried to state that Jason H., as president of Chris Blackwell's Caribbean "boutique properties" under the Island Outpost banner (including JAKES) , a director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, an appointed "environmental ambassador" would have multiple resources to legitimately bring the aerodrome to fruition, dotting all the "i's" and crossing all the "t's".

Along with Calabash Literary Fest at JAKES, Sports Park, Breds (with its special events like Triathlons, Hook N' Line Fishing Tournament so forth...can there be any doubt that that there has been an operative VISION to "big up" the cultural, economic & community opportunities, creating a "marketing brand" for the benefit of Treasure Beach & the South Coast?
http://breds.org/index.php

Some background on Transportation in Jamaica:
www.photius.com/countries/jamaica/economy/jamaica_economy_transportation.html

I too would like to see the opening and a picture of the first- flight- landing.
I think that will be neat.

Good Luck All The Way.

People let's give this a chance.

It could be good for TB. It could make no difference. It could be bad. We won't know until after it happens.

We didn't know what the canal would be like until after it happened.

I beg to disagree "To give this a chance". With intent, and proper planning to carry out such intent, we know what will happen before it happens. The dead presidents will always determine what happens.

If we are going to talk about noise lets reflect on the music that shake the ground when they played to the wee hours in the morning and we never complain.When I am in Treasure Beach my home town that I love dearly but have to make it back to NY for work If the roads to the airport are closed from bad weather and we have to wait for the workers to do their job I would love to have air transportation. I believe that God has blessed TB. Jason is a gift to us, so many young people/mothers/fathers have the privilege to put food on the table because Jason provide them with jobs.Instead of complaining we should create a day that in name JASON,S APPRECIATION DAY.Love you all, and may god forever blessed the community of TB

If it was anyone else different from Jason it would be ok,ur look how develope Treasure Beach become since Jason stay with Jakes.U have people from T/B who could put it on the map but they prefer to build up other areas in JA.
BIG UP TO U JAson and gwan do u things,More blessing mi brother,one love.

I agree Jason has done much for TB. I do not believe it is without some selfish motivation on his part but he is a businessman and has a right to work to earn a living.

Being the largest employer in TB and receiving more press than anyone else in TB, he is clearly a community leader and a tourism leader in Jamaica. Because of this position, he is open to far more public scrutiny than say someone opening a little shop or a tiny restaurant. Because of this, I believe he has somewhat of an obligation to share news with the community if that news will affect the community or if it APPEARS the news will affect the community. I believe he would gain much more support from a wider base of people if he took the time to disseminate information BEFORE people IMAGINED the facts and got themselves in an uproar.

Knowledge is power. Most people I know in TB feel fairly powerless.

The roving Annabelle Todd, who confesses to being Jason's friend, despite disagreements, has reported that "the vast majority of the 'people' think its a wonderful thing and a source of great pride to have an 'airstrip' in their community."

Elsewhere on this topic, surveying the immediate TB situation, goood night has rendered a woeful cry from the gut:

• Shops are closing
• Guesthouses/Hotels for Sale
• People have to go abroad to work
• Zero business in the summer(ask the boat captains and taxi drivers)
• Hard to find money to pay the JPS bill...Water,
• Hotel/Guesthouses closing for up to 4 month
• Hope your Baby can sleep-we can not...(which from the dire conditions expressed, seem (perhaps) to spring from a perceived rotten state of affairs rather than a plane landing in back country.

Taken at their word the Henzell inspired & supported Breds Foundation has put squarely on their agenda a succinct mission:
to Create a sustainable development plan in conjunction with concerned stakeholders in order to establish a low-density model for Treasure Beach.

In that vein, and mindful of the stimulus and attractions needed to fulfill appropriate development goals hereabouts (including youth job prospects), a local plane service with the potential to add to the wider transportation infrastructure would seem consistent with the PLAN.
Getting there will always involve argument and disagreement...Can't win em all!

Mahatma Gandhi:
"Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress."

{edited by TBNet}

If you have any new information, asking a specific factual question, or voicing your opinion in a respectful manner please do so here. If you are making negative comments, spreading rumors, or issuing innuendos against any one person or a group it will be deleted. If you have a strong opinion and want a particular person or organization to know how you feel then we recommend you contact them directly.

We realize this is a hot button issue and many want to voice their opinions. As long as it is done respectfully your opinion will be posted. If by making your opinion known you feel the need to slander others then again, please contact them directly. We are doing our best to keep this forum a respectable and respectful place for all to visit.

Once again, we thank all who are respectful of this forum and we appreciate your input.

-TBNet

TBNET...Whey you get di patience from?

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101212/out/out6.html

My wife and I own a guest house/villa. We have had some people complain about the long and difficult ride from Montego Bay. If this airplane service is available to our guests we would appreciate being informed. I have heard it is only available to people staying at Jakes but that could be hearsay.

As someone advocating for peace, harmony and accord, in weighing-in, generally, about disagreements, I am miffed why the QUOTE from the English Catholic historian, politician, writer & ardent liberal, Lord Acton, was edited:

Guard against the prestige of great names; see that your judgments are your own; and do not shrink from disagreement...no trusting without testing.

No names were attached to the quote, nor innuendo suggested...Intentions were as innocent (or weighty) as John Lennon singing...All We Are Saying...Is Give Peace A Chance.
Ah-men!...Ah-women!...Ah-children!

Congratulations Jayson, disagreements sometimes makes us stronger and your perseverance and determination continues to improve our community, this project will later on be regarded as a major accomplishment and a true complement to what Treasure Beach is all about today.

Would think the facts regarding service will be announced or distributed at the Grand Opening ceremonies tomorrow. If someone does not attend and report them on TBnet, would think the Gleaner and Observer will report the facts. Jason's group is quite organized with the distribution of materials to the press even though he often chooses (absolutely his right) not to distribute them to the local community via something as widely read as TBnet.

Could we all please stop with all the questions about legalities etc. Am sure who ever is behind this project covered there basis in regard to permits, licenses, construction etc.

Plus this is Jamaica we talking about here {edited by TBNet}

I am not oppose to any form of development/progress to the area.


I was born in Newell, my Mother is a retired returning resident who made that area to be her home. I don't recall her or any of my other families telling me that the St.Elizabeth Parish Council or anyone from any licensing board or Government agency ever came around and ask for there opinions.

Where I live I wanted to to some repairs on my property, I wanted to repair a back and front porch/deck, build new steps and fix up a basement and before I could do that I had to get a license from City Hall (in JA that would be the Parish Council), post the license on my front door so the entire neighborhood could see that am doing work on my place. but before I got that license an email is sent out to all citizens and when a small hearing is done to see if anyone object and this is something that happens every single business day for any kind a work anyone wants to do on their properties.

No surprises and citizens gets to have say.

That's all !!

So i finally made it all the way through the thread. The last post I read was by Facts posted December 15, 2010 8:38am.

I made two previous post during the reading, just couldn't wait to get to the end.

Overall it seems only Jenny Reynolds and I share the opinion that its not about the Building of an Aerodrome, its more about the Citizens.

Someone said a meeting was held to discuss this. Really!!!!! Who arranged the meeting, who was present to represent the people, what agencies were their and how many people from the affected areas (Newell, Short Hill, Beacon etc) was present.

To make it clear I am in no way knocking this project.

Its how business is done and the regards for the citizens I am defending.

Money is not prejudice, {edited by TBNet}

Citizens does not know how to unite to let things not happen or happen.

when most people don't pay taxes and do not vote and I guess in some cases for good reasons these things will continue to happen.

The average citizen has no representation.

Jamaica is like a girlfriend that continuously cheats on me, but I still love her and keep on going back.

Jamaica land I love.

Would be thankful for any solid information on the services being offered. How may one reserve? Are flights open to other than Island Outposts guests? Costs? Capacity for both passengers and luggage? Flying time from one location to another.

If this morning's ceremonies include an inaugural flight I would like to know about the noise generated.

A cross between a pesky mosquito and a jumbo lawnmower.

We noted the TB flyover and our consequent loss of quite and laid back. Was that you Duds? It's been 55 years.

Just spoke to my mom. She was actually invited. She said everyone was pleased. It was open to all because no one was turned back.

she seemed very happy about the event and the aerodrome within itself.

I hope its a success and people in the community will be gainfully employed

Cannot imagine how "people in the community will be gainfully employed" with the aerodrome. Not saying it's a bad thing tiny planes will fly in and out occasionally but I don't see the need for hiring flight attendants, reservations agents, mechanics and so forth from the local community. I would guess it means the addition of ZERO new jobs.

I would like add my appreciation to Mr.Jason Henzell for his very bold step in erecting an aerodrome in my parish and particularly on the south coast. I am sure we all will benefit from this. My trip will be much shorter to home.
Continued success in your business endeavours.

Http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101217/lead/lead3.html

It was a big big day in South St. Elizabeth!

You can view photos and get a report of the grand opening here or by the link in the Photo Gallery.

It is my understanding that the services are currently only for the use of guests of Jakes as it is operating under a private license. However, they are working on a commercial license which will open the airport for all to use.

You can call Jakes at 876-965-3000 for further information.

Can the Aerodrome manage a private jet?

Looks like it was a wonderful event. Hope obtaining the commercial license is in progress and will soon occur. Until then this will benefit only Jakes, Mr Henzell and his investors.

End of recession is near, says PM


PRIME Minister Bruce Golding says the country should be out of the economic recession, which has crippled much of the world's economies, by the next quarter.

Speaking Thursday at the official opening of the Lionel Densham Aerodrome, in St Elizabeth, Golding said that the recession should have ended during the last Quarter of 2010, but due to the damage done by Tropical Storm Nicole in September, there is a delay.

"I am absolutely certain that that by the next quarter, we can say that the recession is behind us. Going forward from there will depend to a great extent on the quality of partnership that we are able to build between the public and the private sector — Government and investors," the prime minister said.

The new aerodrome was developed at cost of $18 million, with the main focus on getting visitors to the area in quick time.

Golding said that private investors must at all times seize opportunities that exist in the creation of enterprises, as being done by hotelier, Jason Henzell, in the Treasure Beach community in St Elizabeth, and in particular, the latest venture of constructing the aerodrome.

"Government is an enabler, in clearing the way to make investment easy, but it is the private sector on whose shoulders, on whose investment the economic growth that we want and the employment that we want, depend," the prime minister said.

Citing the aerodrome, and the soon-to-be upgraded and expanded Holland aerodrome, Golding noted that they will add great value to the South Coast tourism.

"It is going to be the beginning of something new, as there is so much that the South Coast has to offer," he said.

Golding clearly knows things about the economy that are unknown to leaders of much larger countries in Europe. I hesitate to believe Jamaica will be out of the recession by next quarter, but I am not the PM and he is. European countries are doing their best to tighten their belts because their governments have little money. I don't see Jamaica tightening its belt much more because the services provided by the government already seem woefully inadequate and have been that way for decades.

Robert Wint is right when he says this will bring employment. Truer words were never said. The makers and installers of burgler bars and alarm systems will be busy in the not too distant future. Like the prophet of old, heed my warning: if you build it "they" will come, along with everything else. Be careful what you ask for, you just may get it.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Aerodrome-opens-next-to-Treasure-Beach_82490 44

Chris Blackwell says he always gets lost when driving to Treasure Beach. [edited by TB.net] I drive there from MoBay about every 18 months and after my initial visit I've never gotten lost. True, it takes awhile for the drive, but I am on vacation and enjoy seeing everything.

Wasn't Parker McLean connected with Jason's seaplane venture that never got off the ground?

I needed a good chuckle as I rush to complete preparations for our family arriving for the holidays. How very amusing when people connected with a venture publicly congratulate each other as if they have no prior relationship.

Someone has a good memory. According to the Gleaner, Parker McLean is a "nifty entrepreneur" who has a home in Black River. He is Canadian.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090313/business/business5.html

http://www.albertafuel.com/TheCompany/History/tabid/59/Default.aspx

Have any of the flights started?

This is another good thing by Jason & Co. If this airstrip will bring more visitors to TB it means creating more badly needed jobs for the people. My only concern is: How will this impact on the people who already provide transporation to & from the international airports? I hope Jason and other stakeholders will now turn their focus on security. Try to make TB a gated community. Put a gate just below the police station,one at Billis Bay,below the Kennedy's and one at the junction of Lewis Town & Big ground roads.

A gated community? WOW!

We have a gate in our community.

It is called: Awayuaduya?.

The security guard is: Allawi.

The password is: Manners.

Friendly Observer Editorial:

"...recent news of the development of an aerodrome by the Henzell family close to Treasure Beach in South West St Elizabeth takes on special significance.

Taken by itself, an airstrip to accommodate very small planes carrying no more than a few people at a time may seem insignificant.

But the wider context of Treasure Beach on Jamaica's unfashionable(?) South Coast makes the development special. Up to 20 years ago, Treasure Beach was little more than a collection of small villages and coves dedicated to fishing.
Today, it is an increasingly recognised resort particularly attractive to visitors who crave peace, quiet and areas far from the beaten track.

Like many other locations on the South Coast, the vision Treasure Beach has for itself embraces community-based tourism, separate and distinct from the dominant product on the exotic North and West coasts where the great majority of our winter visitors are headed.
That community tourism vision, as this newspaper understands it, has no place for large hotel chains — whether all-inclusive or otherwise — and other developments conducive to the fast-paced lifestyle to be found in and around the tourism meccas such as Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Rather, resorts like Treasure Beach seek to safely involve visitors in the very life of a rural community through close contact with locals.
Tourists are encouraged to visit the local bars and restaurants partaking of the local fare. They hike, bird watch, fish, play sport and are involved in a range of other activities in happy consort with the host community. Good beaches means they are also able to indulge in the 'sun, sand and sea' experience.

But even community tourism must grow.
It is that reality that has now helped to spur the development of an aerodrome. Conceptualiser, hotelier Jason Henzell claims the airstrip will help in the making of Treasure Beach as "a premier destination in the Caribbean".

His long-term plan is to, over time, transform the airstrip that is named for his late grand uncle Lionel Densham -- a legend in St Elizabeth -- into a small, tasteful airport.

Henzell is not only a businessman but head of the St Elizabeth Parish Development Committee and a natural leader who has sought to submerge himself in the sustainable development of his community.

He, as much as anyone else, will recognise that Treasure Beach's expansion and development without losing its uniquely precious essence will be a major challenge requiring a very fine balancing act.

We wish the people of Treasure Beach well as they seek to maximise the benefits of tourism without losing their identity and sense of well-being.

www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/Treasure-Beach-aerodrome-a-good-move_8256240

The so-called gate below the Kennedy's Rainbow Tree used to be there. It was the road going through Fort Charles which had been washed out and was impassible except for donkeys and similar. This road has been fixed, and I used that term very loosely, to now cut through Fort Charles and is used to get to places like Button Bay and as a vague shortcut to Black River. True, when the road went no farther that end of the community felt very safe because no one could keep going. Even with that miserable road open Billy's Bay is still very safe. Please do not suggest a gated community. That is the opposite of what we want Treasure Beach to be.

Gated community..Vawhm, [edited by TBNet]. Treasure Beach is till a residential community with thousands of residence..not to take from Jakes, or all the other investers, but they do not own treasure they just have business place just like everyone else. Usually I dont part take in the nonsense on this forum, but this one really gets me

I hate to dash anyone's hopes about the plane service meaning more jobs in Treasure Beach. Clearly this is only my opinion, but I don't think bringing more visitors into Jake's is not something that will provide more employment for the community. It may mean that Jake's has higher occupancy rates which would mean they don't cut peoples working hours and days back so much when it's not high season, but I doubt it will have an impact on the entire community. It's not like Jake's would be adding lots of rooms. Jake's clients tend to come in couples and they stay and average of three or four days and spend almost all their time and money at Jake's. If you take the time to look on a site like Trip Advisor, you will find the tourists who try different restaurants and shops tend to be the people who are staying in small guest houses and also villas. They seem to stay longer and seem to be more adventurous.

The airstrip could be a nice thing but would someone explain why they think this will create jobs in TB. I see this taking away some trips and tips from the van drivers who do the airport routes.

Hey Jason, gliders! Uncle Lionel would approve.

What jobs? There will be no impact on jobs. The people who will be flying in would not be people taking local taxis. These are people with money. Everybody needs just chill out 'cause dis don' have anyting to do with regular folks; dis a big people sinting.

Nothing against rich people but if someone doesn't want to be bothered with the long van ride from MoBay and can afford that plane trip I don't see them being bothered walking down the road to get a pattie or look around in the shops. Whatever they want will be right at Jakes for them to enjoy.

I think folks just wanting to get there is the issue. I see plenty of Jake's guests out and about checking out local establishments.

In my experience with guests coming to Treasure Beach, some are just looking to sit back and relax and may not move much from whatever place they are staying. Some want to get out and experience everything and some do a bit of both. I think it depends more on what that particular guest is looking for vs. where they are staying or their financial status.

We note that Turey's request that there be no flyovers has been ignored.

What is a flyover?

I REALLY THOUGHT THAT MY LONG TRAVEL FROM MONTEGO BAY WAS OVER, WHEN THE AIR STRIP CAME ABOUT. I JUST REALIZE THAT IT,S ONLY FOR FOLKS GOING TO JAKES PLACE, WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT. RIGHT IN MY BACK YARD AND THE LOCAL CITIZEN WONT BE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM IT. I THINK ITS A SHAME. PLEASE MR. JAKES YOU HAVE THE BALL IN YOUR COURT PLAY IT SO THE CITIZEN CAN GET A GAME.

Another request for information on flyovers. Thank you in advance.

Just my opinion here, but I think a flyover is like a sight-seeing tour over Treasure Beach as opposed to just landing the danged plane.

If a flyover is what is described then this is designed for several things:

. To show the area to arriving passengers.
. To provide a measure of fun and recreation for the pilot.

Back when that seaplane was in test mode, there were a lot of what I would call unnecessary flyovers and there were even landings out by Floyds. Though the pilot and passenger or passengers aboard appeared to be enjoying themselves, I believe this was done with absolute disregard to the incredible noise and annoyance and scares these gave to those not on the plane.

I would hope the pilot and operators of the new plane service would have the professionalism and maturity to do their best to provide safe transport but not to make these flights into anything resembling either a tour or a sport. If not, it is my opinion what is being done is extremely unfair to those below.

I would appreciate informed comments by anyone who is familiar with the laws regarding private flights in Jamaica.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/tools/cartoons/ed-cartoon-jan-05-2011

good cartoon - tells it like it is

My nap was disturbed by a small plane flying low today near the Bluff, was this one of the airodrome planes?

"give dem an inch, an dem will tek yuh yaad"

[edited by TB.Net]

wake up
an
tek charge of your community treasure beach

I am as annoyed as Annoyed. Big men do not need to make big noises to show the world they are big.

Can someone confirm the private plane serving Jakes is doing flyovers. If so, does anyone know if this is illegal.

What Ditto said is perfect. I wish someone would make a sign and post it on the main with those words. BIG MEN DO NOT NEED TO MAKE BIG NOISES TO SHOW THE WORLD THEY ARE BIG.

We are used to john crow, pelican and duck flyovers. They are silent and mind their own business. Now we loose our privacy and quite. This is not sustainable tourism and it is an insult to us.

As a tourist and someone who has already used the private plane, I find it to have been a very pleasant experience. Look at it this way, the quicker I get to TB, the quicker I can start spending money in your community! I would think that all of this extra money would be eventually recycled in the community. So, not just one person or business benefits, everyone does.

Are you saying you would not have visited TB if this service had not been available? Have you been to TB before using ground transport? Please tell us such things as the cost of the transport, how long the flight took, how much luggage you could bring etc. Also curious to know if you personally spent money outside Jakes or if you are assuming their employees got extra money for your stay and spent their earnings buying things in the community.

mainerfromaway...Could you describe your experience for the "uninitiated"?
Were you booked into Jakes and quickly connected with your prop plane somewhere very close to MoBay (where).

Did you clear Sangster Airport and were transferred (by pre-arrangement with Jakes) to another airfield? How much time from landing to arriving at your hotel do you estimate it took? (In other words, a pick up by Treasure Tours to the arrival at the majority of villas/guest houses in TB might take max 2 1/2 hours.)
How does prop plane travel, with connections, compare? What about the cost and limitations for luggage?

Was an extra benefit of the flight the ability to fly fairly low so as to view such geological features as the Cockpit Country, the Black River meanders etc.? Was the pilot knowledgeable about land features and shared a running commentary with you, his passengers?

Looking for your low-down, if you please.

Sorry mainerfromaway, I beg to differ. Many of the drivers who transport people to and from the airport are from Treasure Beach and will be losing a substantial amount of money every time the Canadian owner of the plane flies in. Not to mention all the business along the road where tourists stop for jerk or a cold drink. I doubt air passengers will spend an additional $150 US that could go to a driver in the hour or so saved.

Mainerfromaway;

Just a friendly counter point:

I’ve look at it your way, Know; try to look at it from my prospective; how would you feel if your residing hometown was being polluted with jet fuel and disturbing the peace with all the noise.

(I was talking to my Dad the other day, it so happen one of the planes were going by we had to momentarily suspend our Father and Son conversations because of the noise level, granted they are not located near the airstrip).

The People of TB deserve the same respect you would expect and presume appreciate in your hometown, take into consideration TB residents needs for peace and quite.
As I said; just a friendly counter point, There are valid points to be made for or against this venture.

Does anyone care that those planes were flying overhead what seemed like all morning today. I may be wrong but I believe there was a helicopter too. I am not normally a complainer but I am complaining now. Since I live here I can't say my name for fear of getting nasty looks as I walk down the road. Progress is one thing. Lack of respect for people is quite another. I believe it is possible to achieve both but this is not being done.

Very upset..no offence, but if u live even abroad planes fly over your head daily. It's not everything you like you get. It's like sometimes i don't like too much rain, not to mention snow or the cold, but just got to live and tolerate it.
Just different strokes for different folks. One Luv still.

No one seemingly objected to the airstrip, so how can you now object to the planes?
It stands to follow:

airstrip+planes=noise

Want to know what a flyover is? LISTEN. That will give you all the information you need. I would say more but I reckon the webmasters would delete it.

If I did not object to the sound of planes I would stay in MoBay because it is far closer to the airport. From what I am gathering, the majority of the discomfort from the noise is NOT being created by straightforward and quick take offs and landings, but it is being caused by flyovers. I believe this is offensive and unnecessary. The planes should take off or land. They should not fly around subjecting an entire community to intolerable noise. This is UNFAIR and UNWARRANTED. By the way, I was never consulted about the airstrip so I had no opportunity to object.

One word: Vile.

These are not big jets, their not even small jets. They are just small planes and don't make that much noise. Yea I hear them when they fly over but not so loud that it rattles my windows or wakes me up from a nap.

Now there was a few big trucks in Treasure Beach today that certainly did wake people up. Their horns sound like a train horn and they were not afraid to use it.

The planes are much quieter than the helicopter or large trucks or many sound systems.

Realist you said It's like sometimes i don't like too much rain, not to mention snow or the cold, but just got to live and tolerate it. The difference is we cannot control the rain or the snow or the cold. Controlling noise is something we should have the power to do. Why should we have to tolerate it??????

Realist, I live within 30 minutes of a major U.S. city and less than 15 miles from a major international airport. I can count the times I have been bothered by the noise of aircraft by using less than the fingers on one of my hands. You are right in saying I do not get everything I like. You are wrong if you assume I would not fight any airport that created horrible noise AFTER I had bought my home. Why do people in TB have to tolerate what I can avoid in Los Angeles? The laws in Jamaica are different but there ARE laws.

Flyovers happen everywhere in the world. I am sure that many people opposing the new airstrip and flyovers have never left Treasure Beach, and so, change is difficult and technological advances are not commom thoughts for them.

I have been fortunate to travel to many places in the world, as well as have a house and many years living in Treasure Beach. Treasure Beach is the only place I have ever been or lived where there were NO planes apparent (other than Mo Bay or Kingston). I have been to some very small places/areas in China, Morocco, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, etc. where it would have taken too long to drive or be driven on very poor infrastructure/roads for us to see those areas. They were local communities like Treasure Beach, and embraced the "change" that comes with air entrances of some of their tourists (or trains).

Like those in treasure beach, I am sure many were not comfortable, but became comfortable as more and different tourists came into the area that normally would not have made the trek due to long drives on difficult terrain and pot-holed roads.

To each their own. If Jakes charters guests via a small plane, it may be a more comfortable way for people those people to travel (we really must look at it from those tourists shoes). And they can afford it then who is anyone to complain about their choice. Perhaps it has taken them 24 hours just to GET to Jamaica, and having a short flight after a 24 hour travel day will get them to their vacation destination faster.

Just like some people like the drive from Montego Bay or Kingston for the beer stops and scenery, some might like the opportunity to see the bird's eye view and topography of the area.

To each their own. Different people have different budgets and different preferences. If a plane is going to get even one new visitor that may repeat their vacation in Treasure Beach year after year, well, then I see that as a plus for the local economy.

Like anything else, time will change the opinions and heated discussions as things become more famaliar. This time next year, it will just be the way it is I am sure.

It is 2011 and time to embrace change. If the time and care was taken for this project to be approved, then I am sure the folks in charge of the flights and flight times are being as respectful as they can noisewise as well as environmentally. At least there is not a freight train running through the area for hours at a time making a loud-rumbling noise....now THAT is irritating!! A plane is quick in and quick out and frankly, it is the way of travel everywhere in the world. Treasure Beach is now just "keeping up with the Joneses" and the rest of the tourist world. Without tourists, Treasure beach would suffer tremendously.

Actually, I can accept the aerodrome for arrivals and departures, and can see its usefulness in case of medical emergency (as a child, I had to be flown from MoBay to Kingston once). On the other hand, I -- and I suspect a few others -- go to Treasure Beach precisely because I don't have to listen to planes, jet skis, etc. And really, how many guests are likely to be flying in on how many days? That seems manageable to me, and I don't grudge anyone for it.

Flyovers, on the other hand, are a different breed. It is much more disruptive to many more people than stopping for a beer on the road. The entertainment of the few at the expense of the many? That's the kind of tourist arrogance one can find in other places, and a large part of Treasure Beach's attractiveness is that it doesn't have that.

For the record, there are plenty of good beaches in the US and in other parts of Jamaica. People choose Treasure Beach because it is not like those places.

And as for the "there are many other loud noises in the world" argument. Yes, indeed there are. Does this mean it's ok to pile on more? Seems a strange argument to me.

Again, I'm not grudging anyone the occasional flight to deliver a tourist or two to Jake's. And I hope the service will be extended to anyone staying anywhere in the Treasure Beach area, and for medical emergencies. But that's enough, yes? If someone wants to see TB from the sky, try Google Earth.

THANKS MY OPINION: YOU COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT ANY BETTER.
THIS IS 2011 AND WITH ALL THE NEW "TIMES OF CHANGE" IN ALMOST EVER INDUSTRIES ALL OVER THE WORLD IT IS WONDERFUL TO SEE TREASURE BEACH ON THE MAP IN A GOOD WAY.

GO TB GO!!!!

I don't here locals complaining about the cars with extremely loud radio speakers going up and down the street of TB. And, annoying the tourist I might add! Get with the times, the plane will help your community, those drivers with the loud radios do not.

I am trying to understand what some people are saying. No one stops trucks from making loud noises. No one stops cars with loud speakers from making loud noises. We are lucky there isn't a freight train that runs through Treasure Beach. So no one should object if the planes make loud noises. With that line of reasoning, no one should stop anything that is disruptive. How about we ignore all the noise ordinances and allow clubs and bars and shops to blast their speakers at all hours of the day and night? How about we forget about trespassing on private property and cut through the wire if that makes an easy shortcut? How about we fence in any part of any beach that strikes our fancy? How about we dump our trash in the roads? Oh, I forgot. We should be lucky there isn't an ammunition factory in Treasure Beach. That could be even more disruptive than a freight train.

@ sisterfire
Just an FYI - have you ever flown over the Himalayas....it is EXTREMELY different and spectacular compared to what you will see via Google Earth...I am speaking from experience seeing them first hand from the air in a low flying plane.

And I imagine the topography of Treasure Beach and area is just as spectacular as well.

My comments are more forward thinking as one of those travellers who has travelled to many small, rural areas of the world via plane or train. I would not have made it to some of those places otherwise. AND, I am a better person having had met some of those peoples and cultures.

I am also a land/homeowner in Treasure Beach.

Yes, when I started settling down in T.B. 16 or so years ago, there were no planes. But I also know that I had many LONG travel days coming and going with long transfer rides from Montego Bay where I felt unsafe on the pot holed roads during rainy season and really wished I could be "beamed" into Treasure Beach instead of being on the roads for another 2.5+ hours. I have often wished for a quick, simple flight. And I don't think I am alone in those thoughts.

I have many family members in Treasure Beach who are not employed or under-employed. I embrace finding new and easy ways for people to come into the area. It might help my family members sustain themselves. It might encourage employment opportunities.

If Jason and his partnerships didn't pursue this opportunity, it is only a matter of time before someone else would have. Sheesh, there is a Sandals in Whitehouse - I am suprised there is not a landing strip there yet. It could cut down the drive to T.B. in half!!

Again, to each their own. I think all people should have the opportunity to travel how they wish (read: whatever mode of transportation they have access to and want to use), and I think that the local community who have never experienced a flight or a trip "a farrin" may just agree to disagree because it is not something that they can comprehend.

Like others have said, I would prefer the quick noise of the odd plane flying by over nightly, late night bashments where I or my child cannot sleep over the loud bass pumping, or the early morning boat engines that have woken me up many a night or roosters for that fact. There is always going to be something or some noise that one person may find offensive, that is perfectly natural to another (or, they might just be used to that noise, like they could get used to a plane or two taking off and/or landing each week of two.)

Again, no one is right. Everyone is entitled to an opinion - this just happens to me mine.

I am writing on behalf of a friend who lives in Treasure Beach because he does not have a computer. I spoke to him Saturday evening, and he was quite upset about the noises from the planes and asked me to post something for him on Treasure Beach.net. He lives within a mile of what could be called the center of Treasure Beach, not that far from Sunset Resort and Jakes. He does not live near the air strip. He has been abroad several times so he is familiar with the noise near airports in the United States. He said “planes have been flying over Treasure Beach all morning” and “this place now has all the charm and horrible noise of L.A. I am sick about what has happened here. There are a lot of complaints”. I am an attorney and because I have met Jason, my friend called me thinking I could “come down here and do something about it”. I do not practice in Jamaica; therefore I cannot assist in any way except to post his message.

I wholeheartedly agree with Sisterfire and admire how clearly she writes. She mentions 'tourist arrogance". Since tourists do not fly these planes I would think the 'arrogance' she mentions is misplaced.

i bet your friend is not upset about the loud music anytime of the night or the speeding cars that drive by. for heaven sake people give this a rest. the airstrip is not even in tb and everyone is getting a heart attact over nothing. please look at what is going in the world its the end of time lets focus on that.

@an opinion -- You have made some interesting points, and I cannot disagree with you on some of them. I do have some comments regarding some of what you have said, and I think you will agree I am also entitled to my opinion.

The Himalayas must be more interesting viewed from directly overhead from a plane as opposed to Google Earth. Most places would be. Perhaps even your own home would be more interesting viewed this way. However, how would you feel about tourist rides over your home, literally buzzing your home so the occupants of the plane could get better views of your rooftop and yard. THAT is what is happening. It's probably fun for the tourists, but I am thinking you might find it annoying. The people complaining here seem to be accepting simple landings and takeoffs. They are far less accepting of having their yards turned into tourist attractions.

You also say you have many family members in Treasure Beach who are not employed or under-employed. The owner of the airstrip is admittedly the largest employer in the Treasure Beach area. I ask you how this has helped your relatives and I ask you why you feel the airstrip will help them. Before you automatically respond it will bring more tourists to Treasure Beach, have you ever stopped to think how many tourists might now stay away because of the annoyance and lack of personal privacy caused by the planes doing much more than merely landing and taking off.

If I lived in Treasure Beach I would hate having my yard turned into a tourist attraction as one writer so perfectly put it. As a visitor who saves all year to come down there for the peace and quiet, I cannot imagine how angry I will be if even one plane buzzes the property where I stay. I was never in favor of having an airstrip, but I cannot fight progress. I can fight any lack of decency shown to me and my family when we are on vacation attempting to escape stress and rejuvenate our bodies and minds.

Sounds like to me that TB wants tourists to take our money elsewhere!

To"Lost Money.

I wish more visitors would say what they think of what is happening in and around TB.
and maybe then we locals would learn how to give what they want (which I always thought was peace and quiet and feeling safe and living good with the residents. a place that was different to the rest of jamaica)
as well as not to spoil the place

I believe it is generally agreed that tourists are the new lifeblood of Treasure Beach. With all due respect to people living in Treasure Beach who are not in the tourism business but have provided their opinions here on what a great development the airstrip is, I believe much more consideration should have been given to the wishes of tourists. What is it THEY want? What would make them more likely to return? What would make them less likely to return?

I am repeating this word for word because as tourists this is exactly our family wants and why we have been spending our hard earned money in Treasure Beach each year.
_________________________________________________

To Lost Money.

I wish more visitors would say what they think of what is happening in and around TB.
and maybe then we locals would learn how to give what they want (which I always thought was peace and quiet and feeling safe and living good with the residents. a place that was different to the rest of Jamaica) as well as not to spoil the place.
_________________________________________________

We BEG you to stop with some of these things being done in the name of progress. It will mean nothing without people like us who come there because we like it the way it is.

Another tourist responding here. We used to go to Negril until it got loud and pushy and crowded. Then we found Treasure Beach and it reminded us of Negril 20 years before. This is what we like about Treasure Beach: The people are the best. The staff where we stay have been like the nicest members of our family. The sound of the sea lulls us to sleep every night. People don't beg for money or try to make us buy things we don't want. We have privacy. It is so quiet we can hear goats that must be a half mile away. We are welcome in any church. We even like the goats. If we wanted noise and polluted water and people hassling us we'd go back to Negril.

We tourists do not tell you how to make your houses look or what churches to attend or what food to eat or what you should wear. We do not tell you to listen to the music we favor at home. We do not want to interfere with your way of living. I always try to tip a little extra or buy something from a new shop to do my best to support the loving people who live in Treasure Beach. I would hope the people who live in Treasure Beach would show us the same respect. Blaring noise at us from overhead or right next door is disrespectful.

To Jenny

Thank you for letting this forum hear what you like about TB and why you come here.
Many people now just think the only way to go forward is to become part of the tourism industry and make their livihood that way.
I say, do what you like, and the community will support it.
So what if you dont make a lot of money. If your spirit is satisfied then what better way to live ... isn't this how we used to live?
and I think if "peace and quiet and safe" remain in TB, people who appreciate it will always come and support the community too.
"Happy" will reign

Forget about all the NEGATIVE VIBES here and just go and enjoy Treasure Beach.There is going to be noise anywhere you live if it so happens you live by the road where all the traffic is.
If you can tolerate loud music,loud speakers going through the area what is there so bad about a little plane landing maybe twice a week about three miles from the heart of TB.

Please stop the complaining and give thanks there are some jobs to be had in the community.

Montego Bay is very noisy.I spent time at a house over looking the airport and when the big jets are approaching and taking off the noise is deafening.



If you so happen to live in a big city you would have no choice than to listen daily to the sounds of sirens of fire trucks,police and ambulances plus the constant honking of car horns.

NOW THAT IS NOISE.

SO LET US GIVE THANKS THE NOISE WE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT WONT STOP, BECAUSE WHEN IT DOES THAT MEANS "NO MONEY".
No money for many in the area.

Finally!

A place for our visitors to state their needs and wants. Should we not have asked long ago?

Meex, I agree 2 landings a week 3 miles from the heart of TB would be fine. Are you actually here to hear what is going on? We are hearing MUCH more than that.

Late for the celebration of his birthday but I pray not too late for Treasure Beach.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
~Martin Luther King

its the sea plane you here thats make noise up and down the sea front. not so much the air strip

To meex-
one plane a day for now will most likely end up as more flights and possibly air tours.more noise. i remember when montego bay had only one flight a day - it was quiet and pretty quaint then too. why do you think there were houses built so close to the airport? (most of which have become businesses as people cannot live with the stress of the plane noise). no one imagined it would turn out to be so large.
and now, even you yourself admit it is very noisy.

something like an aerodrome starts small and usually ends up being NOT what people expect or want.
going from peace and quiet to even the sound of 2 planes a day is stressful for some.

already residents and visitors to TB are complaining of the noise!

to MLK admirer
what powerful words to think on and A C T on -

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
~Martin Luther King

The little blue and white plain that flies over great bay. what are they looking for.

Can someone from TB tell us if it is a seaplane that seems to be making most of the noise. If it is, whose is it and should we assume this is legal even if it is bothering people?

Can't believe some people are still complaining about the planes and it's noise.Frankly I think the spray machine and the weed wackers are more annoying than the planes.I live close by too where I see the planes over my house everyday and I don't think it's such a big deal to lose sleep over,instead let's remember it's 2011 and not the 80's.We should put our focus on the world how it's changing,like climate change, bad economy and those things.just remember Treasure Beach is a treasure whether or not.Love de place anyways.

Sorry. One thing that makes Treasure Beach a treasure is the lack of noise. Following Yard Sister's reasoning, if the economy is bad that's the way is has to be forever. I don't buy that. If Yard Sister and too many other people think people have to accept things they can change, the economy will get worse because less and less tourists will come. Then what?

why "lionel densham" airport ?
who is/was him an what did him do for jamaica?
i think it should be name after danny buck or someone that do something for us and this community

the economy is getting better. people are starting to spend again. lets be sure more of those dollars find their way to treasure beach. you might not have much of a choice where you live. people have a choice when they take a vacation.

To Why densham name: You probably have not been following the thread. This is not a government owned airstip, its a Henzell airstrip and they are free to give it whatever name they desire. Havent we not yet exhausted all the negative questions?

Negative questions? Gotta check a Zen master for that one.

Right got it! As in: "A why unnu ugly suh?"

Or: "Where dat nasty smell come from?".

A positve question then would be....?

to "stop now"

did not think by asking why it was named after someone that no one knows was a negative question. regardless of its a government airstrip or private, i still wanted to know why it was named after a man whose name i (and many others it seems) are not familiar with.
and we still dont know who him is.

Storm Over Airport Naming In St Mary, Residents Felt they have been compromised (tricked) in St Mary. Also by naming the new airport IAN FLEMING International Airport. read on



http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Storm-over-airport-name_8311582

It does not matter what an airport is named. It matters if it can be used to accommodate ALL tourists or people who want to use it and not only those who can afford to fly in private planes.

I guess we're accustommed to airports that serve the public. As there are private rail systems and roads, so are there private airfields. I can name my property as I want, so can the owners name their aerodrome.

The Airstrip is not in Treasure Beach, it's in Short Hill and we are proud to have it in our District. If you can't afford to fly on no one is asking you to, just continue to travel to Treasure Beach by whatever means you use to and stop complaining

talking about noise from a little plane, what about the noise from MUSIC ALL NIGHT LONG, if these is not just for Jake´s guest, I´m happy for this convenience, I sure do not like paying the 200.00US, for that long ride from Kingston to TB, and the way they drive, NO, NO,NO....WHAT THE COST OF THESE PLANE RIDE IS GOING TO BE?...I put my name on the list Sally..TIME IS MONEY.
Once again, PEOPLE will ALWAYS COMPLAIN

Thanks Short Hill, You remind them of whose airport it is.

{edited by TBNet}

Are you all against development and progress?

Max - Perhaps we differ about what we call "progress." I for one do not consider the drone of airplanes in once-near-idyllic TB to be "progress," but rather a detriment to the peace and quiet of a place I once loved so dearly.

Perhaps those who consider noise and development to be progress might listen, closely, to what David Byrne is saying in his song "Nothing But Flowers."

Negril,that is what TB will be in 10 yrs, is sad to say, an other pushy and crowded place, because we all want MONEY, AND IT CAN NOT BE STOP

It's not a case that we all want money but more so a case of everybody needing money.

More Co-operation, less money needed. This does not sit well with some who benefit from divisiveness.

"Keep us free from evil powers".

I hold Mr. Henzel responsible for ALL the noise from the small airplanes. I honestly believe there would be no seaplane here creating horrible disturbances if Mr. Henzel had not be certain it was going to be approved to be flying in and out of Treasure Beach when he proposed it about two years ago. The pilot of the seaplane had been convinced approval was coming and he went so far as to buy a home in the area and bring a seaplane with him from Canada. Now he is flying that plane around and it is making a horrible racket in and around Treasure Beach.

Just as an FYI and to keep facts to facts, the owner of the sea plane has lived in Parottee with his plane for much longer than two years.

True words from Seaplane and regular plane. Am glad TBnet has the guts to print the truth. I can handle that tiny plane. I hate the noise from the seaplane. It is rude.

Miss Rebecca do you know if the owner off the seaplane moved down here on his own or if Mr. henzel somehow might of told him there was a good chance for a seaplane business. Funny to me if some one would move here with a seaplane and no idea for business.

I have not had a conversation with the pilot asking him why he moved down here, no. Therefore, I cannot presume any motivation that may or may not be there.

This makes it not known why he moved here with his seaplane. Might of been at the urge or invite of Mr. Henzel or might of not.

Why is it that most Jamaicans (as a rule) are not motivated to prevent something that will ultimately upset them when they have the chance to do so, yet instead allow "the thing" to happen, then complain bitterly about it?

Is it because we do not think our opinions count?

Like good crabs in a barrel, we constantly look at one another to make sure we:

1. Agree with the mob. Especially if one gets some flour and condensed milk.

3. Do not stand out. The other crabs are vigilant.

4. Are not thinking twice. One would not be part of the mob were the brain in gear.

5. Mock anything not previously in the barrel.

Thankfully some escaped......

Prevent, if you are talking about the airstrip, then I would imagine it was not up for a vote. If there was even a community meeting on it that was not well publicized. This airstrip has been in the planning for a long time. It is connected with the one up in Boscobel. This was not a minor and last minute plan even if it is being called a little airstrip. It was a sophisticated plan put together by some very influential people who have the ear of the government. If this was a commercial undertaking, then there would have been an opportunity for a public meeting and there would have been a lot more oversight by government authorities. There are some things one can do nothing about.

People's opinions still count on many things. If they do not step up and ask questions and object to what they believe is wrong, it is difficult to fight things after they are over and done with. Too many people wait for someone else to fight their battles for them. People need to find the strength to object to things without being afraid their opinions do not count.

Too many people also don't object to things because they want to believe that anything new like this airstrip will bring more business here and they will end up with more money in their pockets. Sometimes these beliefs are correct. With the airstrip, my personal conclusion is this will not put money in the pockets of anyone who does not own the airstrip or is not connected with the management of Island Outposts.

This is so unfair to say. The people of TB spoke-up when they were building "that wall" in GREAT BAY,they held meetings after meetings in concern about the construction of the "CANAL" which is still not complete,the roads/lanes to the beaches,the noise of loud music going into the wee hours of the mornings, the roads, and on and on I could go, and still most fell on deaf ears.

So for anyone to say they just sit back and let things happen then they rise-up and comlpain is unjustly unfair.

We all know if we do not have the power of our MP in our corner to help us "DOG EAT OUR SUPPER".

That is so true all over the world.

The people came together and there is no commercial seaplane service. That was a BIG accomplishment. One reason it happened is people came together BEFORE something was too far gone. Keep your ears and eyes open, share what you know and be prepared to stand up for what you believe is right. If you do not stand up for yourself and your friends and relatives no one else will.

Just curious. Does anyone know if the Ian Fleming airport in Boscobel is privately owned too?

Ian Fleming Airport in Boscobel is privately owned. Starting to get the picture?

I continue to believe that too many people are afraid to state their true opinions in public. It is very uncomfortable to do so in a small town because you are likely to make enemies and you will have to still be their neighbors for years to come.

i love the name BOSCOBEL.
to me it sounds so enticing.
much better than (ugh/boring) ian fleming.

(just giving my 2 cents)

Shops are closing
Guesthouses/Hotels for Sale
People have to go abroad to work
zero business in the summer(ask the boat captains and taxi drivers)
hard to find money to pay the JPS bill,Water,
Hotel/Guesthouses closing for up to 4 month
hope your Baby can sleep-we can not

All these things were going on way before the PLANE came in, WELL I will be a able to tell soon if the plane noise gets all the way down to TB..soon I will be there

to "uncomfortable

i agree with your opinion that many are afraid to say what they think in public.
that is sad eh?
as, we would have a better community if all were able to share our thoughts. what wisdom and balance would emerge. and everyone would be valued.

do you think this fear is because people believe they will lose their jobs?

Still, lignum seedlings are sprouting, more people are asking: "Dem melons spray?", organic farming is no longer seen as a hippy thing, turtles are hatching, Backseaside is still glorious, more cyclists, quite places to be found, land turtles are not extinct, dolphins still play, "Morning sah/maam" is the norm, Jason is still in good form, John has great antiques, Hiyo is still Hiyo, King Check still reigns....and on.

Thanks.

is sad people not spek their thoughts in public about important maters to the comunity. yes their is fear about loosing jobs. might not be true but their is the fear

To answer the question, I think the fear of losing jobs is one of the reasons people are afraid to state their true opinions in public. I think that is too easy an answer. I think it is unlikely someone will lose a job only because they have stated an opinion, but I think the person who has stated an opinion that goes against their employer is not likely to be promoted and might be among the first to be laid off or have his hours cut. His friends and relatives might also not be at the top of the list when it comes to being hired. When there is one employer who is clearly the biggest and most influential, it becomes even more difficult and uncomfortable for people to speak out. This is not something that happens only in Treasure Beach. Someone named Company Town explained how it works where he lives, and it sounds very much the same to me.

So how to proceed with community tourism if the above is operating?

Or is it realy only a PR slogan?

You guys are still fighting over the same topic Jason don't even respond back to all these messages be happy treasure beach was dead until Jason find it and make good used of the good things he put in it you all need to move on.

1,500 years dead then brought to life by Jason.

He would then be person of the millenium and a half.

Such a being does not need to consult anyone. Be silent and let him lead us to prosperity and happiness.

i was thinking the same thing treasurebeach girl well said.

Maybe you did not have a life until Jason came, but
Treasure Beach was never dead.

Excuse me but as much as Jason (and his FAMILY) has done for Treasure Beach, there are many others who have provided employment, helped the schools, given scholarships, started computer training and alot more. It is unfair to all those other people and groups to act like there is only one person who is responsible for Treasure Beach being on the map and getting all the glory for it. Speaking of maps I still have an Esso road map with Rainbow Tree on it and no mention of Jakes.

Treasure Beach used to be a laid back place, know it is becoming a another Negril when there was a few guest house's like the Noel's and Kennedy it was a better place to live. what happen to all the other guest houses that Employed so much people from Treasure Beach,I don't see where Jason is helping Treasure Beach more than other guest house owners, Mrs Kennedy have been helping the people of Treasure Beach for years if any one to be recognized it should be the Kennedy's they care about the people of Treasure Beach,and not how to get rich off our expense, they truly love the people of Treasure Beach and we love them too thanks Mr and Mrs Kenned for your hard work and contribution to our community.

Keep it coming Jason baby .we love you for all you guys that don't like what Jason is doing for our treasure beach don't get a heart attack there is lots more good is coming to treasure beach can't wait.

People stop the bikkering. Get a life. Thank the Lord for all the good. If it was not for some family abroad to send a money out there to help plenty people would a suffa right nuw.

Open yu eyes everyone and say THANK YOU LORD WE HAVE A JOB.We can send we pickney to school, we can buy food without a hand-out.

Ungreatfulness might just come Knocking. STOP.... PLEASE STOP AND GIVE GIVE THANKS TO EVERY GUEST HOUSE OWNERS BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONES THAT IS REALLY KEEPING TREASURE BEACH FINANCIALLY AFLOAT....IF YOU GET MY DRIFT!!!

Stop bury unu head in a de san.

Thanks for the warning TB Girl.

PEOPLE CANT YOU ALL SEE THAT ALL THIS RUBBISH AND RUMORS ABOUT JASON DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. REASON BEING ALL THIS ARGUMENT IS GOING ON FOR TOO LONG ITS GETTING BORING AND DROWN OUT. PEOPLE ALWAYS SAY ITS WHEN YOU IMPORTANT PEOPLE TALK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME AND ITS TRUE BECAUSE JASON IS DOING A GOOD JOB FOR THE COMMUNITY THIS IS GOING TOO FAR THIS ONE TOPIC IS MAKING TB.NET BORING NOT MUCH COMING ON HERE ANYMORE THEY SAY ITS TOO MUCH OF ONE STORY. AND THAT IS SO TRUE THIS TREND NEEDS TO BE TAKEN DOWN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH WHY IS THIS ONE TOPIC UP FOR SO MANY MONTHS.

It is good to see recognition going to more than one person here. Not that Jason doesn't deserve thanks for what he has done but so may other people do things in a much more quiet way. A lot of the villa owners help keep the economy going, not only the person who runs one establishment. The Kennedys have always been known as excellent employers and do very much for their staff and pay them well even if they have no guests. I know if they have a job opening people are lining up to see if they can get the job because they know they will be treated fairly and with respect and not be laid off when times are tough.

I do not understand why it is some people get angry at the fact people have an opinion, and then cry them down for it.
It is not necessary to say "all that rubbish and rumors etc" , when for some, what seems like rubbish and rumors are the truth. We each have different experiences so why can't we all accept this, and not fight each others opinion, but simply acknowledge that its just different. Some people think Jason (for example, as it seems his name comes up a lot) is wonderful and doing great things, and thats fine as thats their experience. Others do not think that what he is doing is wonderful, and thats fine too.
Just don't be nasty about it.
Everyone deserves to say what they think.

The posts in this thread for the past few days have been a rehashing of old arguments with no new information on the actual aerodrome.

Therefore, as requested, we are going to close the thread down. If there is new information about the planes or aerodrome, people are free/encouraged to create a new thread and post there.