Persons in Settlements Being Assisted to Become Regularised

Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says the Government remains committed to tackling the issue of illegal settlements, by making it easier for persons to become regularised in a formal way.

Following a tour of sections of Paradise, Glendevon and Norwood in St. James on August 23, he pointed out that there is an ongoing drive prioritising affordable housing for working-class citizens in parishes across the country.

Dr. Chang said the right thing to do is to give persons security of tenure for “the assets” they would have built up over the years.

“The history of Montego Bay reflects a town where people didn’t have access to land in an organised manner. Actually, we ended up with quite a number of informal settlements, because there was no structured response to the need for housing for workers as the town grew,” the Minister noted.

“Housing, in general, and access to land is a philosophy of this Government. It stems from respect for our people. We seek to provide them with equity in our society. When a person gets a home, it makes a whole lot of difference compared to him renting… or resorting to squatting,” he added.

Dr. Chang said that with many landlords drawn to the lucrative nature of the Airbnb business, it is becoming even more difficult for persons to find rental options, forcing some to resort to squatting.

He said that while such practices will never be encouraged or endorsed, the Government is aware that there are persons who have been occupying lands… with houses erected… for years, and without any legal document to show ownership.

“We have to find ways to assist them in becoming regularised… where their assets are protected and where they can do business if needed,” Dr. Chang added.

The Minister noted that the Administration is actively addressing these shortcomings, underscoring the “commitment to equity” and respect for all Jamaicans, which “has driven initiatives aimed at providing land titles, essential infrastructure, and improved access to affordable housing”.