Jamaica’s Beach Access Crisis: Communities Challenge Coastline Privatization

Five lawsuits seek injunctions against privatization of Mammee Bay, Little Dunn’s River, Blue Lagoon, Bob Marley beach and Flankers/Providence beach. Plaintiffs, organized by Jabbem, aim to overturn the 1956 Beach Control Act, which gives state ownership of foreshore and seabed and requires government permission for development.

The Guardian

The 1956 Beach Control Act underpins Jamaica’s all-inclusive tourism. The 2023 beach-access policy introduced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness modernises the law but retains “qualified rights” that allow fee-based entry. The 2024 Narra Act, meant to speed post-Hurricane Melissa rebuilding, is criticised for weakening the 1882 Prescription Act, which protects long-used public pathways.

The Guardian

Jabbem’s founder is immunologist Devon Taylor; its director of community engagement is Damion Coombs, and its western-Jamaica coordinator is Monique Christie. Supporting groups include the Blue Lagoon Alliance (president Colin Beckford) and Flankers activist Olando Brown. Government voices are Environment Minister Matthew Samuda, shadow minister Omar Newell (PNP) and Prime Minister Andrew Holness, author of the 2023 beach-access policy.

The Guardian

Tourism directly employs 112,000-116,000 Jamaicans and indirectly supports 300,000-350,000 people, about 10 % of the population. The five court actions target the listed beaches. The Beach Control Act dates to 1956; the Prescription Act to 1882.

The Guardian

Environment Minister Matthew Samuda says natural assets must generate economic benefit for all citizens. He notes recent approvals require developers to carve “corridors to the sea” and cites the Harmony and Success beach parks as evidence of increased access. The government defends Narra Act as essential for urgent procurement to build resilience before the next storm, noting oversight remains intact.

The Guardian

Jabbem calls the model “plantation tourism”, arguing that restricting beach access threatens food security; Devon Taylor warns that cutting off the sea “sets us up to starve”. Activists reject “qualified rights”, demanding free, legal, unfettered, forever rights, and say the Narra Act concentrates power in the prime minister while eroding the Prescription Act, last tool to protect beach pathways.

The Guardian

The government says the 2023 policy will broaden access, while activists argue it still permits fees and restrictions. Samuda maintains oversight is unchanged; critics contend the Narra Act weakens oversight and transparency. These opposing assessments remain unresolved pending the upcoming trials.

The Guardian

• “We call it plantation tourism because it has all the characteristics of a plantation – exploitation of a poorly treated labour force, and wealth that either does not stay in our country or is only in the hands of the elite.” — Devon Taylor, Founder, Jabbem

The Guardian

• “We are still talking about ‘qualified rights’, meaning somebody can decide if you come in – and maybe charge a fee. What we are fighting for is free, legal, unfettered, forever rights.” — Damion Coombs, Director of Community Engagement, Jabbem

The Guardian

• “The Narra Act is going to interfere with the last remaining tool that we use to fight for beaches in Jamaica, which is the Prescription Act,” — Devon Taylor, Founder, Jabbem

The Guardian

• “Yes, successive administrations have presided over the privatisation of our beaches. It needs to stop,” — Omar Newell, Shadow Environment Minister, PNP

The Guardian