Boscobel Aerodrome to Become International Port of Entry (IPE)

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for Information, Telecommunications and Special Projects, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says that Cabinet has approved the development of the Boscobel Aerodrome, St. Mary, as an International Port of Entry (IPE).
Mr. Vaz, who made the announcement during the weekly Post Cabinet press briefing Wednesday (October 21) at Jamaica House, said this development will enable international flight operations by general aviation-type aircraft.
“The development of the aerodrome is expected to attract operators of privately-owned aircraft in significant numbers to the North Coast, thereby providing an enhancement to the tourism industry,” the Minister said.
He noted also that the facility will allow private jet owners to land directly at the Boscobel Aerodrome, without having to go through either of the two international airports.
“That is something that is very acceptable throughout the Caribbean and South America, and it is the difference between vacationers coming here on their private aircraft, and not coming as a result of what they feel is the hassle of them having to clear at an international port and then fly into a private airstrip,” he pointed out.
The establishment of an IPE requires that appropriate border controls, law enforcement, health and aviation security systems are instituted. It will also require the extension of the runway, an apron for parking aircrafts, a new terminal building, new runway lighting and other ancillary facilities.
As such, Cabinet has given approval for the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) to proceed with the capital development programme, including the runway extension, a new terminal building, apron construction, a fire truck garage, air-filled lighting, airside markings and navigation aids, perimeter fencing, a standby generator and the upgrading of the electrical power supply and aviation security.
In addition, approval has been given for the Ministry of National Security to assign Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) personnel to undertake duties at the IPE, in keeping with the requirements of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Act, and for the relevant Airports Authority Act Regulations to be amended to make pertinent provisions in respect of the Boscobel IPE.
With over $100 million already spent, the development is projected to cost about $300 million, and should be completed by the first quarter of next year.
Mr. Vaz also recalled that he and Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, toured the facility weeks ago.
“I think what is left there to be done, really, is the paving of the aerodrome, along with the finishing up of some of the structures that are to be implemented,” he said.