PM praises St Bess aerodrome investors

Noel Thompson and André Gordon , Gleaner Writers

SHORT HILL, St Elizabeth:

PRIME MINISTER Bruce Golding yesterday lauded Jason Henzell, chairman of Jake's Hotel Villas and Spa, and his private investors for their insight in constructing an aerodrome in St Elizabeth.

Speaking during the official opening of the Lionel Densham Aerodrome in Short Hill, near Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, Golding thanked Henzell for what he described as a tremendous contribution to the community.

"He (Henzell) is an investor who did not say to us, 'Go find me an aerodrome'. He was prepared to work with us, so I want to thank him for the tremendous investment that he made in this community."

Golding also told the gathering that the Government was in the process of identifying a suitable location for an aerodrome near Sandals Whitehouse, which will aid in the airlift of passengers to the property.

"There is so much more that the south coast has to offer," Golding said.

Eight small aircraft took off and landed yesterday. This followed a test landing on December 3 when the strip was first opened. The 2,500-foot strip was constructed at a cost of J$18 million, with plans to extend it to 3,200 feet.

Private licence

"We currently have a private licence to transport guests exclusively to our hotel and for private investors' use, so we can't charge people to land, but we intend to seek a commercial one, which would allow us to transport guests for other resorts in the area. We are inviting the Government to partner with us in the future," Henzell said.

"Building this airstrip was one of the more daring things I have chosen to take on so far. I had to summon all my determination and courage to make this a reality," He added.

Henzell told journalists that following consultations with the anti-narcotics divisions of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force, he agreed to install security cameras on the premises, which would be monitored by the security forces in their offices.

"I can't afford to compromise my good reputation as a businessman, so I am adhering to the requirements. He said he wants to use the facility as a catalyst for investors in St Elizabeth adding that, over time, more jobs would be created for local residents.

Mayor of Black River, Jeremy Palmer, said: "It is indeed a wonderful day for the entire parish of St Elizabeth. We are pleased that this investment has come to this side of Jamaica. It will be of great benefit to the people who wish to travel out of this area."