PNP calls for rethink on Negril airport, pushes for road upgrades

Junior Opposition Spokesman on Transport, Odell Marsh, is urging the Government to rethink its Negril airport proposal and instead focus on upgrading the road network, especially the route linking the resort town to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. 

Last week, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said a new international airport will be built in the tourist hotspot in Westmoreland. "Plans are well advanced for that," he said. Negril is about 53 miles away from Sangster, one of two international airports in Jamaica. 

But in a media statement Tuesday, Marsh argued that while it is important to expand Jamaica's tourism infrastructure, his People's National Party believes road improvements should take precedence over constructing a new airport.

"Many visitors to our beautiful island arrive at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, and it is essential to ensure they can reach their destinations—such as Negril—safely and efficiently," Marsh stated.

According to him, priority should be placed on road upgrades to improve safe and reliable accessibility for locals and tourists and avoid the high costs that will likely come with operating an international airport, among other things. 

"Establishing a new international airport entails enormous financial costs and extensive implementation timelines. Directing those resources towards upgrading existing road infrastructure is a more pragmatic approach that can yield quicker results in improving transportation for both locals and visitors," Marsh explained.

Marsh further expressed environmental concerns about constructing a new airport in Negril. "Constructing a new airport also raises significant environmental concerns, particularly in Negril, which is renowned for its natural beauty," he added. 

The Airports Authority of Jamaica currently manages an aerodrome in Negril. 

Last year, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced that a consultant was hired to prepare a master plan to transform the aerodrome into an international airport.

"That also will have a huge impact in relation to taking some of the pressure off of the MBJ airport (Sangster International Airport),” said Vaz.

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