As a vacationer in Treasure Beach, having just been an "observer" at a meeting of local Treasure Beach area fishermen at BREDS, discussing the consequences of overfishing local waters and deciding what plans need to be implemented by the fishermen themselves to prevent such devastation, I fully support this entry. The BREDS Foundation is an invaluable organization wherein the community, visitors, and members of all walks of life can interface to discuss and implement sustainable plans for development. I have been privileged to vacation in Treasure Beach multiple times over the years from the U.S. and it is one of the most inspiring vacations one can have, with respect to truly feeling part of a
growing community, defining and redefining itself through increased visitors
yet parlaying that growth into better education, better health facilities, sharpened environmental awareness and more employment. I fully support the grant proposed for BREDS such that the sports park to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors to Treasure Beach, currently envisioned can become a reality. Good job Jakes!
I became aware of BREDS through my connection with Jason Henzell, whose family history in Treasure Beach dates back to 1941. Thanks to Jason, Jakes (the hotel he runs) and BREDS are two vital forces that facilitate the kind of connection—between visitors and Jamaicans—that so many travelers crave but so few get to taste. Over time, I’ve seen BREDS grow from concept into pillar of the community. What an array of accomplishments they now have—from creating Jamaica’s only volunteer-run ambulance service to building classrooms to staffing those classrooms with teachers. No wonder BREDS generates such good will from all members of the Treasure Beach community! Long term, goals for BREDS include building a sports park and community center as well as creating a local leadership program. I have no doubt these goals will be met. This, because under Jason Henzell’s stewardship, BREDS has already achieved what it set out to do—and more. Given Jamaica's stats on crime, many visitors stay away. Thanks to BREDS visitors regularly and repeatedly return to this small south coast town. And they they send their friends. What could better illustrate a social / economic model from which everyone benefits? Kudos to the BREDS team! -Lisa Gabor
The quality of this application is very impressive. As I read it, I reflected on its value as an outline for other tourist centers to develop improved connections amongst residents, tourists and resorts. In my experience, tourists search for opportunities to get involved that are "real" ~ where their dollars are respected and well-utilized and where they have the opp'ty to get personally involved. Nick Walker has concisely explained all aspects of BREDS, an extraordinary program that deserves to be replicated.
I've watched the growth of Breds since it's beginning and am continually impressed by the consistent effort put into the community by such a diverse group. Schools have been built, ambulances bought,basketball courts provided, careers started, homes delivered, lives saved, etc -REAL CHANGE. In an age of hype, Breds has quietly gone about the business of improving the lives of Treasure Beach Community's residents by linking the naturally good spirit of this rural fishing and farming village to the successes of a Boutique resort (Jake's) that has garnered cover shots from the world's elite travel media. Breds and it's founder Jason Henzell, has built it's success on an ever-expanding group of relationships. It's business model hasn't been built from the traditional non-profit model: a wish-list budget then fundraising. It has been built from humble needs through community support and viral marketing to key relationships. Here is a story that begs to be told so that others can follow this model. Generally, non-profit orgs. have large percentages of their funding directed towards marketing and staff. Breds pushes the majority of their funds directly to the community's most pressing needs. The last time that I was there, for the TB Triathlon, Bred's was actively working on a Sports Park complex design to provide further healthy lifestyle outlet's for the youth of the Parish while linking to the small hotels and B&B's of the area -brilliant! Keep up the great work.
Breds for life,
My family has been taking an annual vacation in Treasure Beach for over 10 years. One of the first things I learned about on my first visit was BREDS -- what the organization had accomplished, its fundraisers, and its plans. At this time, BREDS was just a glimmer in the eye of a handful of locals. I have enjoyed watching it grow into the success that it is today. Not only has the organization improved the health and welfare and educational opportunities for Treasure Beach residents, BREDS has instilled a sense of pride and community in that small village. The most amazing thing to me is the community stewardship...the sharing of time, talents, and revenue that is the mainstay of BREDS warms my heart. Stewardship, sharing, sense of community and the desire to look out for your neighbors are not often evident in small villages like Treasure Beach, where the majority of the residents are relatively poor. Through BREDS, these residents are working together, giving of themselves to make Treasure Beach a better place to live and visit...a place to vacation where it is safe to trully experience Jamaican culture outside of security gates and away from "tourist traps". I am convinced that this pride of ownership which BREDS has given Treasure Beach is what brings us back year after year. From our first visit, we were welcomed everywhere in the community like old friends. They openned their arms and hearts to us and ingrained us in the Treasure Beach culture and environnment immediately. Many of those friends have become like family to us. Before we even board our planes to return home, we are "home sick" for Treasure Beach and counting the 365 days until our next vacation with our extended family. This is what BREDS has done.
I agree with the poster above that this is a high quality entry but I question if the applicant can walk the walk. I have close family connections in the area of TB and spend quite a lot of time there myselfand I can say it is a privileged few who benefit from the Breds organization. I do not think the applicant understands what it means to be a "green" organization as his recent activities have exhibited. He has tried to force a seaplane business onto the community when it has been advised that it is not an environmentally sound (or feasible) decision, Breds has not been a financially transparent organization that has led to many withdrawing funds and the "sports park" mentioned in the application has drawn strong local opposition that Breds has discounted as coming from unhappy "outsiders" when that is not the case. The opinion of many is that Breds is all about P.R. and not about helping people or anythings else. I would question if this kind of behavior should be rewarded with any further funds.
Breds impact on the community tourism development in Treasure Beach has been astounding and set precedent for community based tourism initiatives across the island. To watch Treasure Beach prosper in a healthy holistic manner is inspiring, proof positive it can work. Thank you Jakes family and Jason Henzell and Breds... genuine admiration and respect.
BREDS has had an immediate impact on the local community. It was lead by a local business owners, and built with community help. The participants feel this is theirs and have ownership in its success. Skills are taught and jobs are the consequence. The sense that it is "of the people" makes it a place with no barriers and broad community acceptance. The local success stories further reinforce the effort to participate. This is not money or a package that comes from afar. It is not foreign or paternalistic. It has local content. This is part of the community to bring folks into a more organized, effective economic society that they have otherwise not been prepared for. This grass roots program has proven itself with trained people and local job opportunities. Those skills make for stronger families and a self-perpetuating cycle out of poverty. The authors of this program, the people who made the concept reality, and those that participate at all levels are to be commended. This is the type of program that makes a difference and a model that should be recognized and encouraged elsewhere.
I would like the people of Treasure Beach to know that the posting from Todd S stating "The opinion of many is that Breds is all about P.R. and not about helping people or anythings else. I would question if this kind of behavior should be rewarded with any further funds" was NOT made by Sarah Todd of Lyric, Treasure Beach. As an avid supporter of BREDS; I disagree with the comments made by Todd S and would suggest that others visit the website at http://breds.org/
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Sarah C. Todd
Lyric Villa
Treasure Beach
St. Elizabeth
Jamaica
As an avid international traveler, I am always seeking new and authentic experiences in the places I visit. When I recently traveled to Treasure Beach, Jamaica I was pleasantly surprised to find that a new and authentic experience is exactly what I got. From the uniquely Jamaican architecture, to the warm and relaxed vibe, Jake's resort welcomed me into not only a lovely seaside vacation spot, but also into a functioning Jamaican community. During my stay, I learned of the resort's incredible work through their non-profit the Breds Treasure Beach Foundation. While there, I kept thinking to myself: "A resort that uses tourism as an avenue for the betterment of the community it exists within? This is exactly what travel and tourism should be about!" Through the partnership of Jake's and Breds, I (as a visitor) was granted the unique opportunity to have a real Jamaican experience, while the community members of Treasure Beach actually benefited from my stay. I believe this type of partnership is something to be truly admired, and hopefully used as a model for other tourism entities in the future. I was so pleased to read how many other people had similar feelings about their experiences with Jake's and Breds, and I wish this tremendous team the best of luck!
I believe anyone judging this will find much illumination if they take the time to go to www.TreasureBeach.net, then go to their “forum”, and use the Search function to seek what has been written about both BREDS and their Sports Park. While BREDS certainly has done good things in Treasure Beach, many who live in the community or visit it on a frequent basis have opinions which show BREDS often ignores the input of community stakeholders and has served to cause discord rather than harmony.
Comentarios
Changemakers Forum: Entry; Breds Treasure Beach Foundation
As a vacationer in Treasure Beach, having just been an "observer" at a meeting of local Treasure Beach area fishermen at BREDS, discussing the consequences of overfishing local waters and deciding what plans need to be implemented by the fishermen themselves to prevent such devastation, I fully support this entry. The BREDS Foundation is an invaluable organization wherein the community, visitors, and members of all walks of life can interface to discuss and implement sustainable plans for development. I have been privileged to vacation in Treasure Beach multiple times over the years from the U.S. and it is one of the most inspiring vacations one can have, with respect to truly feeling part of a
growing community, defining and redefining itself through increased visitors
yet parlaying that growth into better education, better health facilities, sharpened environmental awareness and more employment. I fully support the grant proposed for BREDS such that the sports park to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors to Treasure Beach, currently envisioned can become a reality. Good job Jakes!
----------
/Users/stephani/Desktop/sblack.jpg/Users/stephani/Desktop/sblack.jpg
I became aware of BREDS through my connection with Jason Henzell, whose family history in Treasure Beach dates back to 1941. Thanks to Jason, Jakes (the hotel he runs) and BREDS are two vital forces that facilitate the kind of connection—between visitors and Jamaicans—that so many travelers crave but so few get to taste. Over time, I’ve seen BREDS grow from concept into pillar of the community. What an array of accomplishments they now have—from creating Jamaica’s only volunteer-run ambulance service to building classrooms to staffing those classrooms with teachers. No wonder BREDS generates such good will from all members of the Treasure Beach community! Long term, goals for BREDS include building a sports park and community center as well as creating a local leadership program. I have no doubt these goals will be met. This, because under Jason Henzell’s stewardship, BREDS has already achieved what it set out to do—and more. Given Jamaica's stats on crime, many visitors stay away. Thanks to BREDS visitors regularly and repeatedly return to this small south coast town. And they they send their friends. What could better illustrate a social / economic model from which everyone benefits? Kudos to the BREDS team! -Lisa Gabor
The quality of this application is very impressive. As I read it, I reflected on its value as an outline for other tourist centers to develop improved connections amongst residents, tourists and resorts. In my experience, tourists search for opportunities to get involved that are "real" ~ where their dollars are respected and well-utilized and where they have the opp'ty to get personally involved. Nick Walker has concisely explained all aspects of BREDS, an extraordinary program that deserves to be replicated.
I've watched the growth of Breds since it's beginning and am continually impressed by the consistent effort put into the community by such a diverse group. Schools have been built, ambulances bought,basketball courts provided, careers started, homes delivered, lives saved, etc -REAL CHANGE. In an age of hype, Breds has quietly gone about the business of improving the lives of Treasure Beach Community's residents by linking the naturally good spirit of this rural fishing and farming village to the successes of a Boutique resort (Jake's) that has garnered cover shots from the world's elite travel media. Breds and it's founder Jason Henzell, has built it's success on an ever-expanding group of relationships. It's business model hasn't been built from the traditional non-profit model: a wish-list budget then fundraising. It has been built from humble needs through community support and viral marketing to key relationships. Here is a story that begs to be told so that others can follow this model. Generally, non-profit orgs. have large percentages of their funding directed towards marketing and staff. Breds pushes the majority of their funds directly to the community's most pressing needs. The last time that I was there, for the TB Triathlon, Bred's was actively working on a Sports Park complex design to provide further healthy lifestyle outlet's for the youth of the Parish while linking to the small hotels and B&B's of the area -brilliant! Keep up the great work.
Breds for life,
Bryant
My family has been taking an annual vacation in Treasure Beach for over 10 years. One of the first things I learned about on my first visit was BREDS -- what the organization had accomplished, its fundraisers, and its plans. At this time, BREDS was just a glimmer in the eye of a handful of locals. I have enjoyed watching it grow into the success that it is today. Not only has the organization improved the health and welfare and educational opportunities for Treasure Beach residents, BREDS has instilled a sense of pride and community in that small village. The most amazing thing to me is the community stewardship...the sharing of time, talents, and revenue that is the mainstay of BREDS warms my heart. Stewardship, sharing, sense of community and the desire to look out for your neighbors are not often evident in small villages like Treasure Beach, where the majority of the residents are relatively poor. Through BREDS, these residents are working together, giving of themselves to make Treasure Beach a better place to live and visit...a place to vacation where it is safe to trully experience Jamaican culture outside of security gates and away from "tourist traps". I am convinced that this pride of ownership which BREDS has given Treasure Beach is what brings us back year after year. From our first visit, we were welcomed everywhere in the community like old friends. They openned their arms and hearts to us and ingrained us in the Treasure Beach culture and environnment immediately. Many of those friends have become like family to us. Before we even board our planes to return home, we are "home sick" for Treasure Beach and counting the 365 days until our next vacation with our extended family. This is what BREDS has done.
I agree with the poster above that this is a high quality entry but I question if the applicant can walk the walk. I have close family connections in the area of TB and spend quite a lot of time there myselfand I can say it is a privileged few who benefit from the Breds organization. I do not think the applicant understands what it means to be a "green" organization as his recent activities have exhibited. He has tried to force a seaplane business onto the community when it has been advised that it is not an environmentally sound (or feasible) decision, Breds has not been a financially transparent organization that has led to many withdrawing funds and the "sports park" mentioned in the application has drawn strong local opposition that Breds has discounted as coming from unhappy "outsiders" when that is not the case. The opinion of many is that Breds is all about P.R. and not about helping people or anythings else. I would question if this kind of behavior should be rewarded with any further funds.
----------
Todd - U.K.
Breds impact on the community tourism development in Treasure Beach has been astounding and set precedent for community based tourism initiatives across the island. To watch Treasure Beach prosper in a healthy holistic manner is inspiring, proof positive it can work. Thank you Jakes family and Jason Henzell and Breds... genuine admiration and respect.
BREDS has had an immediate impact on the local community. It was lead by a local business owners, and built with community help. The participants feel this is theirs and have ownership in its success. Skills are taught and jobs are the consequence. The sense that it is "of the people" makes it a place with no barriers and broad community acceptance. The local success stories further reinforce the effort to participate. This is not money or a package that comes from afar. It is not foreign or paternalistic. It has local content. This is part of the community to bring folks into a more organized, effective economic society that they have otherwise not been prepared for. This grass roots program has proven itself with trained people and local job opportunities. Those skills make for stronger families and a self-perpetuating cycle out of poverty. The authors of this program, the people who made the concept reality, and those that participate at all levels are to be commended. This is the type of program that makes a difference and a model that should be recognized and encouraged elsewhere.
I would like the people of Treasure Beach to know that the posting from Todd S stating "The opinion of many is that Breds is all about P.R. and not about helping people or anythings else. I would question if this kind of behavior should be rewarded with any further funds" was NOT made by Sarah Todd of Lyric, Treasure Beach. As an avid supporter of BREDS; I disagree with the comments made by Todd S and would suggest that others visit the website at http://breds.org/
----------
Sarah C. Todd
Lyric Villa
Treasure Beach
St. Elizabeth
Jamaica
As an avid international traveler, I am always seeking new and authentic experiences in the places I visit. When I recently traveled to Treasure Beach, Jamaica I was pleasantly surprised to find that a new and authentic experience is exactly what I got. From the uniquely Jamaican architecture, to the warm and relaxed vibe, Jake's resort welcomed me into not only a lovely seaside vacation spot, but also into a functioning Jamaican community. During my stay, I learned of the resort's incredible work through their non-profit the Breds Treasure Beach Foundation. While there, I kept thinking to myself: "A resort that uses tourism as an avenue for the betterment of the community it exists within? This is exactly what travel and tourism should be about!" Through the partnership of Jake's and Breds, I (as a visitor) was granted the unique opportunity to have a real Jamaican experience, while the community members of Treasure Beach actually benefited from my stay. I believe this type of partnership is something to be truly admired, and hopefully used as a model for other tourism entities in the future. I was so pleased to read how many other people had similar feelings about their experiences with Jake's and Breds, and I wish this tremendous team the best of luck!
I believe anyone judging this will find much illumination if they take the time to go to www.TreasureBeach.net, then go to their “forum”, and use the Search function to seek what has been written about both BREDS and their Sports Park. While BREDS certainly has done good things in Treasure Beach, many who live in the community or visit it on a frequent basis have opinions which show BREDS often ignores the input of community stakeholders and has served to cause discord rather than harmony.
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