OPPOSITION spokesperson on water Ian Hayles has voiced objection to the Government’s recent push for a new international ai
rport in Negril.

According to Hayles, the proposal disregards critical unmet infrastructure needs in Negril, which would benefit residents and tourists.

“The residents of Negril have been waiting years for essential services like reliable water access, road improvements, and upgrades to our town’s infrastructure. Instead, we see Government energy channelled towards an airport project.

“What Negril truly needs is water security for our hotels, both small and large, and for the 35 per cent of residential customers who still lack a reliable water supply through the National Water Commission,” said Hayles, who is the People’s National Party (PNP) caretaker in Westmoreland Western.

He was responding to reports on Wednesday that Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) has identified a site for the establishment of the country’s fourth international airport in Negril, Westmoreland.

President and CEO of AAJ Audley Deidrick had indicated that the Government gave his entity a directive to determine the extent to which the Negril Aerodrome could be upgraded to an international airport, and consultants were hired to develop a master plan to transform the facility.

“We engaged consultants to do the necessary studies and out of those studies it has emerged that the present aerodrome is not suitable for development of a major international airport, taking flights using aircraft the size of a Boeing 737, which is now the most common aircraft utilised by airlines for transport,” Deidrick said.

He pointed out that having done the research in the Negril area, the consultants located an alternative site, which is within 15 to 20 minutes of the tourism belt and the Negril seven-mile beach.

According to Deidrick, plans are now being crafted for the development of this international airport, which is expected to ease some of the pressure off the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

“This is to alleviate the challenges that tourists flying into Montego Bay face getting into Negril, a long journey which, at times, can become longer depending on traffic and road conditions,” said Deidrick.

But Hayles charged that the international airport is not necessary at this time and argued that the Government should instead concentrate on easing traffic congestion around Lucea.

“What the Government should be focusing on is a bypass road for Lucea to reduce traffic congestion, helping travellers enter and exit more smoothly without the undue delays we currently face,” said Hayles..

He also pointed to what he described as the long-standing neglect of Negril’s West End, where a facelift is urgently needed to revamp the area and improve the community’s appeal to tourists and locals alike.

Reflecting on the practicality of airport proposals, Hayles pointed out that Air Jamaica and other airlines previously operated flights into Negril’s aerodrome which proved financially infeasible and unsustainable over time.

“The Government owes Negril’s residents the basics first. It is disheartening to see millions allocated to a speculative airport project instead of delivering on fundamental promises to our community. Negril deserves sustainable, people-centred development that prioritises infrastructure and reliable services.

The Opposition is calling on the Government to reassess its priorities in Negril, advocating for solutions that will provide immediate and lasting benefits for residents and visitors,” added Hayles.