JABBEM concerned about “qualified rights” in new Beach Access Policy, warns of limited public access

The Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JABBEM) says the recently tabled Beach Access and Management Policy grants only “qualified rights” to Jamaicans, limiting meaningful public access to the nation’s beaches.

The long-promised policy was tabled in parliament last Thursday by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness.

He noted that beach access has been a contentious issue in Jamaica for decades adding that previous legislation did not adequately address beach access issues.

Speaking yesterday on Irie FM’s The Africa Forum: Running African, JABBEM President Dr. Devon Taylor highlighted what the policy says about qualified rights.

He explained that it is important for Jamaicans to understand the scope and limitations of these provisions.

Dr. Taylor said that while he welcomes the amendment, the exclusivity inherent in the qualified rights, means the policy does not reflect real meaningful change.

He stressed that these rights fall short of recognizing Jamaicans’ inherent entitlement to the foreshore.