The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) is calling for Jamaica’s beaches to be recognised as a public commons and held in public trust, as debate continues over the government’s Beach Access and Management Policy.
JET says while the policy, released in March, is an important step towards addressing Jamaica’s long-standing beach access challenges, it does not go far enough.
JET says access to beaches should not be determined by land ownership or who holds a licence to operate there.
The organisation is particularly concerned about the proposed qualified right of public access to the foreshore, arguing that access could still be influenced by ownership arrangements and discretionary decisions.
It says this could leave privately owned beaches that have traditionally been used for bathing and fishing without adequate protection.
JET CEO Dr. Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie says the national conversation should focus less on the amount of beach space available to the public and more on whether Jamaicans have a fundamental right to access the coastline.
She says beaches should remain important public resources regardless of who owns the adjoining land.
JET is recommending four key changes, including establishing and enforceable public rights of access, protecting traditional bathing and fishing beaches, removing financial and development related barriers to access, and strengthening environmental protection and enforcement.
The group says reform does not mean ever beach should be opened without considering environmental concerns, safety, property rights or legitimate commercial interests. Instead, it wants public access to be the starting point rather than something that can be granted or withdrawn.
JET is urging the government to go beyond its commitment to provide one public beach per parish and establish a rights-based framework that protects public access, coastal livelihoods and the environment for future generations.