Henzell envisions Treasure Beach as the next Martha’s Vineyard
Published:Wednesday | June 11, 2025 | 12:06 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
JASON HENZELL, owner of Jakes Hotel and the BREDS Foundation, believes Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, is on the cusp of transformation.
With the Lionel Densham Aerodrome expansion on track, he said the seaside enclave could become Jamaica’s Martha’s Vineyard, an exclusive, low-density getaway favoured by upscale travellers.
“We’ve been advocating for this for years,” said Henzell. “This is about connecting people, not just tourists to beaches, but Jamaicans to opportunity. With improved air access, Treasure Beach can grow in a sustainable, community-driven way. We don’t want mega development; we want thoughtful growth that protects what makes this place magical.”
The dream of opening up Jamaica’s south coast to efficient air travel was planted more than a decade ago, when Henzell personally acquired the land on which the Lionel Densham Aerodrome now sits. His vision was to create a strategic gateway to the region, and he later invited the Government into a public-private partnership to develop the facility.
That vision is finally taking flight. Recently, the Government committed US$2.9 million to the aerodrome’s redevelopment, a pivotal investment for a region underserved by domestic aviation and often accessible only by a three-hour drive from the tourism capital, Montego Bay.
Airports Authority of Jamaica Chairman Mark Hart described the project as a milestone in regional connectivity that will finally give travellers, particularly high-end visitors, a seamless alternative to the winding road journey.
“The support from the board has always been unanimous. And now, we’re here, ready to move forward with something that will truly transform how people access the south coast.”
The redevelopment will include lengthening and resurfacing the runway to accommodate turboprops and small jets, enabling private and chartered flights directly into the region, a major convenience for visitors arriving from Kingston, Montego Bay, or overseas.
“There’s currently no air service connecting Kingston to the southwestern end of the island,” Hart emphasised. “This project is not just about luxury, it’s about strategic access. A modern aerodrome will allow tourists, investors, and locals to get here quickly and safely. For those who can afford it, it’s an absolute game changer.”
The expansion is expected to dramatically increase visitor arrivals to the area, long regarded as Jamaica’s hidden gem for rustic, boutique, and eco-conscious tourism. Henzell believes the investment will ripple through the community, creating jobs, encouraging micro-entrepreneurship, and bringing global attention to a region built on culture and conservation.
“Think of what this means for our farmers, craft vendors, tour guides,” he said. “It’s about inclusion. And it’s about Treasure Beach being seen as the kind of place people want to come back to, not just for the sun and sea, but for the soul of the community.”
Senator Delano Seiveright, minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism, described the aerodrome project as a “strategic investment” in the sustainable future of Jamaica’s south coast.
“Discerning travellers are seeking immersive experiences, and accessibility is critical,” Seiveright said. “The upgraded aerodrome will help reposition Treasure Beach as a premier destination, while supporting the grassroots tourism initiatives that have long defined its identity.”
Seiveright further noted that the facility will complement the work being done by community leaders like Henzell, and organisations such as BREDS, which have helped turn Treasure Beach into a model for responsible, low-density tourism.
“This aerodrome will catalyse economic growth, boost investor confidence, and anchor community development,” he said. “It’s a win for the entire island.”
For Henzell, the progress represents both vindication and possibility.
“We’ve always believed Treasure Beach could become something special, something unlike anywhere else in Jamaica. With this kind of access, I truly believe we’re on the path to becoming the next Martha’s Vineyard.”