Bernard St Aubyn Henry, executive chairman of Great Bay Joint Venture Company—developers of Treasure Bay Estates in St Elizabeth—has touted proactiveness as one of the main pillars that prevented major damage to the estate during the passage of Hurricane Melissa. 

“We understand that Hurricane Melissa reminded everyone of the risks of coastal living. Treasure Bay Estates was designed with that in mind. The lots are elevated, infrastructure is reinforced and drainage systems are built to handle heavy rainfall and storm surges. Security and emergency access are included in the planning,” Henry said.

He added: “While no coastal property is entirely without risk, the development combines resilience with lifestyle and investment potential. The south coast remains less developed than the north, offering strong long-term value. With careful planning and construction, Treasure Bay Estates provides a safe, secure and rewarding opportunity for those who want to enjoy coastal living and invest wisely.”

Treasure Bay Estates was created to fill the gap for high-quality, sustainable coastal residential communities on Jamaica’s south coast. The goal is to offer local and overseas investors a place to relax, live and invest in a scenic, well planned community with long-term value appreciation.

The estate has 130 residential lots of about a quarter acre each. Prices range from approximately US$90,000 (or J$14.48 million) and upward, per lot. Should all lots be sold at an average of US$100,000 (J$16 million), the total land sales value would be around US$13 million (approximately J$2 billion).

Additional value comes from home build-out and community amenities. Of the 130 lots, 65 have been sold, so far. Lots are designed for homes with three to four bedrooms. Each lot comes with approved contemporary architectural plans designed to be hurricane-resistant. The estate also offers 24/7 security, a clubhouse, swimming pool, gym, tennis courts, pickleball courts, playgrounds, landscaped green spaces, a commercial centre at the entrance, and easy access to the beach with ocean and mountain views.

In the meantime, the executive chairman said that amidst the catastrophe, residents of Great Bay, Calabash Bay, Frenchman, Billy’s Bay, Fort Charles and their environs rallied together to offer support to one another. For him and his team, this was a reminder of the resilience of St Elizabeth.

“At Treasure Bay Estates, our gratitude runs deep. Being strong does not mean being unchanged. The community’s response inspired us to build with even greater intention, ensuring that what we create adds value not only to the skyline but to the spirit of the south coast. Great Bay, in particular, stood out with farmers, fishermen and families all moving in step, each doing their part. There were no grand speeches, only a shared understanding that this place is more than land and sea; it is a promise to each other,” he said.

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