Build international airport in St Elizabeth

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There is a need to build an international airport in St Elizabeth, preferably near Black River. I believe, once there are plans for a South West International Airport, investors will start coming into the area to build large all-inclusive hotels. Our natural attractions, such as YS Falls, Holland Bamboo, Black River Safari, Appleton Estate Tour, Treasure Beach, etc, can be highlighted in any holiday brochure overseas to attract tourists.

I know the Government is thinking of developing the Vernamfield airport, but that would be the same distance away from us as the Montego Bay airport from St Elizabeth, which takes two hours. I believe tourists don’t like travelling over one hour after they get off the plane.

The Government is building from Kingston out but they need to go out and create and build economic zones. That’s what England is trying to do now in trying to create an economic “northern power house” then link back to London which is in the south of England. England neglected the north in the past 60 years or more, leaving the communities there deprived.

I remember, almost 40 years ago, I used to see more tourists in Black River than I’m seeing these days when I visit. I grew up in Black River, which was the first street to get electric lights in Jamaica. Now, all the families who I grew up with have left, most of the houses are empty or knocked down. When I was growing up, all those houses had six to 10 children each. When those children grew up and didn’t find jobs because of lack of economic activities in the area, they left. And the trend continues, people are leaving the parish to find work elsewhere. The same thing happened in England in places like Stoke-on-Trent and parts of Manchester in the north of the country where there are many streets with empty houses, because people left to find work.

The Government should seriously consider developing a South West International Airport, which can also cater to Manchester and Westmoreland. This will drive economic growth and development and people will not have to leave their homes in search of better opportunities.

GEORGE EDWARDS