Financial Support Available for Prospective Land Title Applicants in Several Parishes

The National Land Agency (NLA) has partnered with the Victoria Mutual Foundation to alleviate financial challenges being experienced by persons looking to secure registered certificates of title for their land.

Both entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) on February 24 to assist more than 400 eligible landowners in surveying their properties as part of the application process.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), VM Foundation, Samantha Charles, noted that land acquisition and the inability of persons to secure a legal title to prove ownership has long been a controversial issue in Jamaica.

“For some, it is merely an issue of lacking [the] financial resources needed to complete the process of registration. We know that land ownership and the strategic use of the land owned can be the vehicle to a host of other transformative opportunities for our people,” she explained.

Consequently, Ms. Charles said the VM Foundation, in its capacity as partner in the implementation of initiatives aimed at transforming and improving lives, “is pleased to be able to provide financial support on this project”.

The CEO noted that this will “kick-start the process of helping at least 400 individuals with the funds to properly register and obtain titles for their land”.

She added that the project will not only generate a sense of security and stability for some of the most vulnerable citizens but also help to strengthen the processes for land administration and management to advance national development.

“Not only are we providing security of tenure, but we will work through VM locations islandwide to develop sustainable programmes within our communities, with particular emphasis on parenting and financial education,” Ms. Charles said.

“I look forward to the opportunities that this project will bring for further advancement in the lives of these beneficiaries, and how the process will assist the Government in its efforts at better land administration,” she added.

Meanwhile, NLA CEO and Commissioner of Lands, Cheriese Walcott, pointed out that many landowners continue to experience challenges with financing the registration process.

As such, she said the MOU is another step “in fulfilling our citizens’ funding needs and their desire to secure their land-ownership rights”.

Ms. Walcott noted that the NLA anticipates a significant spike in the take-up by eligible applicants, and looks forward to the positive impact this will have on land registration across Jamaica.

“Land is at the heart of development, and secure land tenure is, thus, vital to building the inclusive, resilient and sustainable communities that will propel economic and social progress well into the future,” she stated.

The project will span three years, commencing April 1, 2023, and cover parcels of land in St. Thomas, St. Mary and Portland, and sections of St. Catherine, and Kingston and St. Andrew.

Throughout the period, the initiative will be monitored and evaluated, and a final analysis completed at the end of the project cycle.

The project team will comprise members of the NLA and VM Foundation.