New hotels being required to provide beach access to Jamaicans
Published:Wednesday | May 28, 2025 | 1:02 PM
Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda, says hotel developments which are currently being approved are now required to put in place pathways providing citizens access to beaches that they previously used.
During his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Samuda highlighted a pathway which was required for a recent hotel development in Trelawny to facilitate citizen access to the beach without infringing on private property rights.
The pathway is found between the Riu and Royalton hotels.
Samuda said "with other developments that are coming, you will see similar pathways providing access."
In the meantime, Samuda said the Beach Access Policy has been completed and is before Cabinet for final review.
The policy seeks to increase access to and improve the standard and maintenance of beaches available to the public.
It was developed after broad-based consultations, including with the private sector, civil society and public commentary.
Minister Samuda said that the policy will balance the rights and expectations of citizens with that of local and foreign investors while adhering to the laws of Jamaica.
“Beach Access doesn’t require policy solely. It requires investment and coordinated development. It is for this reason that the Government, through the efforts of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the Fisheries Division (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining) continues to expand and improve beach access,” he pointed out.
- This story contains contributions from JIS News
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