Treasure Beach to spark south coast expansion

WESTERN BUREAU:

Delano Seiveright, the state minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, say Treasure Beach, in St Elizabeth, is poised to play a pivotal role in the drive to unleash a new era of growth and investment in major infrastructure projects on the island’s south coast.

“Anyone paying attention can see the trajectory. We have already witnessed significant increases in land and property values throughout Treasure Beach and surrounding communities,” said Seiveright. “With the aerodrome, major highway investments, Black River redevelopment, and other infrastructure improvements advancing, there is every reason to believe that trend will accelerate further.”

Seiveright, who was addressing overseas-based Jamaicans and foreign investors attending a Throp-X investment engagement at Treasure Bay Estates, outlined several transformative projects that are expected to benefit Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth and the wider south coast for decades to come. 

Throp-X, which was founded to connect investors, entrepreneurs, and members of the diaspora with opportunities in Jamaica, has become an increasingly important platform for discussions surrounding investment, relocation, wealth creation, and business development on the island. The event brought together individuals actively exploring opportunities in real estate, tourism, agriculture, and business development across Jamaica.

Among the developments highlighted was the long-awaited redevelopment of the Treasure Beach Aerodrome, which is expected to go before the Public Investment Appraisal Branch within the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service this month (June).

The Government has already committed approximately US$2.9 million to the project, which will involve extending and resurfacing the runway to accommodate turbo-propeller aircrafts and small private jets.

According to Seiveright, the upgraded aerodrome will provide high-end visitors, investors and residents with significantly easier access to the south coast, reducing reliance on lengthy road journeys and opening new opportunities for tourism and business activity.

He also pointed to the Perimeter Road and Long Hill Bypass projects in St. James on the western end of the island, both of which are now months away from completion and are expected to significantly reduce travel times between the Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay, and communities along the south coast.

Additionally, Seiveright highlighted plans for the extension of the Southern Coastal Highway from Williamsfield in Manchester towards Hodges in St Elizabeth, including bypasses for Junction, Southfield and Black River.

“When completed, these projects will substantially improve connectivity between Kingston, Montego Bay and the south coast, making Treasure Beach and surrounding communities more accessible than at any point in their history,” he said.

Seiveright also referenced Prime MinisterDr  Andrew Holness’ climate-resilient redevelopment plans for Black River, which was devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

The project envisions the creation of a modern inland urban centre featuring upgraded public infrastructure, commercial spaces, transportation facilities, civic amenities, improved drainage systems and enhanced waterfront development designed to support both residents and visitors.

This is not simply about rebuilding, it’s about creating a stronger, more resilient and more economically vibrant south coast that can support future generations while enhancing quality of life and investment opportunities,” said Seiveright.

He also pointed to ongoing water supply improvements, Essex Valley projects and other infrastructure investments taking place across St Elizabeth and neighbouring communities.

Despite the scale of the investments, Seiveright said Treasure Beach would continue to follow a development path distinctly different from Jamaica’s traditional resort centres.

“The future of Treasure Beach is not large all-inclusive hotels, high-rise developments or mass tourism. Its strength lies in its authenticity, community spirit, natural beauty and reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier rustic luxury destinations,” he said. “What makes Treasure Beach special is precisely what we intend to preserve: the charm, the character, the boutique properties, the luxury villas, the farm-to-table experiences, the fishing heritage, the creative community, and the strong connection between tourism and local people.”

‘According to Seiveright, future growth is expected to be driven primarily by agriculture, boutique hotels, villas, vacation homes, wellness offerings, culinary experiences and community-rooted tourism enterprises rather than large-scale resort developments.

“The opportunity here is to create one of the Caribbean’s most successful examples of low-density, high-value, community-based tourism. Infrastructure improvements will make the destination easier to access, but they will not change its soul,” he added.

Source: The Gleaner