Jamaican activists sue for public beach access amid all-inclusive resort expansion
Community groups in several parishes have filed court cases demanding free access to public beaches, arguing that current tourism policies favor private developers and limit local use.
Activists in Jamaica are taking legal action to secure unrestricted public access to several coastal sites, including Mammee Bay, Little Dunn’s River, the Blue Lagoon, Bob Marley beach and Flankers/Providence beach. The campaigns, led by the Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (Jabbem) and local alliances, contend that the country’s all-inclusive resort model restricts traditional fishing, recreation and livelihood activities for residents.
In 2019, fences and security personnel hired by hotel investors blocked entry to Mammee Bay, prompting community members to dismantle the barriers. Protesters say subsequent confrontations involved gunfire and the erection of concrete walls, which they describe as “violent displacement.” Similar disputes have arisen over the Blue Lagoon, where authorities closed public access roads in 2022, allegedly to facilitate private villa construction.
Campaigners argue that the 1956 Beach Control Act, which requires state permission for any beach use or development, underpins a system they label “plantation tourism,” likening it to historic colonial exploitation. They seek “free, legal, unfettered, forever rights” to the foreshore, emphasizing the social, economic and cultural importance of the beaches for fishing families, vendors and local residents.
Government officials acknowledge the issue. Environment Minister Matthew Samuda said the state is committed to ensuring natural assets benefit citizens and cited projects such as the Harmony and Success beach parks. He noted that new development approvals must include “corridors to the sea” on public land. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has proposed a beach-access policy intended to modernise legislation, though activists claim it still permits restrictive “qualified rights” and possible fees.
Opposition figures, including shadow environment minister Omar Newell, have criticized successive administrations for allowing privatization of public beaches and pledged to address the concerns. The first of five related court cases is set for trial later this month.
