Natalia Webber-Smith | Land a nuh escallion and thyme

In Jamaica, we may have heard the phrase “land a nuh escallion and thyme”. This saying has been handed down through generations as a reminder that land is precious, limited, and should never be taken for granted.

Unlike crops that can be replanted each season, land is finite. Once it is lost, wrongly transferred, or becomes entangled in disputes, it may take years – or even generations – to reclaim or restore.

For many Jamaicans, land is more than an asset. It is legacy. It is the family yard where children grew up, the hillside lot saved for retirement, the acre in the country meant to build a home, or the inheritance parents hoped would create opportunities for the next generation. Land carries emotional value, cultural meaning, and economic power.

Yet despite its importance, many persons do not take the steps necessary to properly secure and protect their land interests.

TOO MANY LANDS, TOO FEW TITLES

Across Jamaica, thousands of people occupy, farm, or reside on land without a registered title. Some properties have been passed down informally through family arrangements. Others were bought years ago with only a receipt or agreement. In some cases, landowners live overseas while their property remains unmanaged for years. These situations create risk.

Without proper documentation, families can face disputes when relatives pass away. Persons may encounter difficulties selling or borrowing against land. Boundaries become uncertain. Unscrupulous persons may even attempt to occupy or claim property that appears abandoned.

A title is not merely a piece of paper. It is often the strongest proof of ownership and can open doors to financing, development, and peace of mind.

THE COST OF DELAY

Many landowners postpone regularising their property because they assume the process is too difficult, too expensive, or can wait until later. But delay can be costly.

When records are incomplete, witnesses pass away, taxes remain unpaid, or possession becomes unclear, the process may become more complicated over time. A matter that could have been straightforward ten years ago may now require extensive work to resolve. Land matters rarely improve with neglect.

Delay can also create emotional costs. Families may become divided over property that was intended to unite them. Siblings may stop speaking, children may become frustrated, and future generations may inherit confusion instead of security. A simple conversation and timely legal action today can prevent years of conflict tomorrow.

LAND AS WEALTH

One of the greatest misunderstandings is that land has no value unless it is sold. That is far from true.

Land can be used to:

• Build a family home

• Generate rental income

• Support farming or business activity

• Serve as collateral for financing

• Provide long-term security for future generations

Even a small lot, properly managed, can become the foundation for upward mobility. Land ownership also creates options. A person with land may choose to lease it, partner with a developer, plant crops, build apartments, or simply hold it as an appreciating asset. Those choices can create income streams and opportunities that wages alone may not provide.

PROTECT WHAT YOU HAVE

Every landowner should consider a few practical steps:

1. Know your documents. Keep deeds, tax receipts, surveys, and agreements in a safe place.

2. Pay property taxes. Outstanding taxes can create unnecessary issues.

3. Visit or monitor the property. Especially important for owners living overseas.

4. Clarify boundaries. Prevent disputes before they arise.

5. Regularise ownership. If there is no title, seek advice on the available legal options.

6. Plan succession. Ensure your family knows your wishes and the proper legal arrangements are made.

It is also wise to periodically review your property status. Circumstances change. Roads are built, communities expand, and values rise. A property once overlooked may suddenly become highly desirable.

FAMILY LAND REQUIRES FAMILY WISDOM

Many Jamaican families hold “family land”, where several relatives have inherited rights over time. While family land has deep cultural roots, it can also create confusion if no clear management system exists.

Disagreements often arise not because families are bad, but because expectations are unclear. Open communication, proper legal guidance, and timely planning can preserve both the land and family relationships.

Family meetings, written understandings, and professional advice can make a major difference. Protecting the family bond should be as important as protecting the land itself.

A NATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

If more Jamaicans regularised ownership and utilised land productively, the benefits could extend beyond individual families. Greater land security can support housing growth, business development, agricultural expansion, and stronger communities. Land is one of the few assets that can strengthen both household wealth and national development.

Imagine the possibilities if more idle lands were developed, more young people inherited clear ownership, and more families used land to create businesses. Jamaica would benefit not only socially, but economically.

So, yes – land a nuh escallion and thyme.

It is not something to ignore, waste, or leave uncertain. It is something to secure, protect, and use wisely. Whether you own one lot or many acres, the principle remains the same: treat land with the seriousness it deserves.

Because when properly managed, land does not only hold value – it creates it.

- Natalia Webber-Smith, JD, MEd, LEC, is an Attorney-at-Law admitted to the Jamaican Bar with over seven years of legal experience. She is the Principal Attorney of Simply Legal Attorneys-at-Law, where she practices in areas including real estate, immigration, civil litigation, and family law. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of Title Watch Limited, a company focused on land titling, property protection, and real estate support services in Jamaica. Natalia is passionate about increasing access to legal knowledge and helping Jamaicans secure and protect their assets. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com