Minister Tufton Lauds Land Programme

MANDEVILLE – Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, has lauded the Land Administration and Management Programme (LAMP), as a most important tool for farmers and others, to create economic opportunities.

“It is an effort, to not only allow you to have possession, but allows you to have an entitlement by having a piece of document that says ‘this piece of land belongs to me’. That can stand up in court, (it) can go to any bank to borrow money, and it can be willed out to generations,” he said, while addressing a LAMP Information Fair held at the Black River Taxi Park, in St. Elizabeth, on Friday, March 25.

“It represents one of the most significant initiatives being pursued by this Government, because it is empowering people by giving them the right of possession and allowing them to use that instrument to create economic opportunities for themselves, and their families. Having a registered title allows you to enhance your economic prospects in life,” the Minister added.

Meanwhile, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Local Government Reform, Hon. Robert Montague, told the gathering that LAMP is part of an effort to ensure that local governance is strengthened and benefit the people at the community level, by giving them full ownership to their lands.           

“It is the government’s way of saying that life can be much easier and more affordable for you and your children through the intervention of providing titles that can be used as collateral for loan, for education, home improvement, starting a business, and other viable economic and social needs. This is one aspect of the partnership between the government and communities that creates a win-win situation,” Minister Montague stated.             

The event was staged by the Department of Local Government and other entities impacting the titling process, as part of LAMP’s efforts at developing further public awareness of its purpose and objectives to make obtaining a land title easy and affordable.

Several financial institutions that are offering aid to persons seeking land titles, where at the fair to provide information to potential customers. The National Housing Trust (NHT), a major sponsor of the fair, also had personnel answering queries from the public, at the event. The NHT offers LAMP customers loans of up to $100,000 to process their title, with up to 18 months for repayment at three per cent interest.

By GARFIELD L. ANGUS