For millions of people, Jamaica is the ultimate Caribbean paradise. But for many Jamaicans, getting to the beach isn’t as simple as it seems.
After spending more than a year investigating, ITV News travelled across the island to find out why communities say they’re being shut out from their own coastline. From the famous Bob Marley Beach in Bull Bay to Montego Bay and Puerto Seco, we hear from fishermen, surfers, local residents, campaigners, lawyers, business owners and Cedella Marley as they debate who should have access to Jamaica’s beaches.
Supporters of private developments argue investment has transformed neglected beaches, improving safety, facilities and tourism. Critics say rising development, historic laws and new government policies are making it harder for ordinary Jamaicans to enjoy the coastline they call home. We examine both sides of one of Jamaica’s biggest and most emotional public debates.
In this documentary:
Why many Jamaicans say public beach access is disappearing
The battle over Bob Marley Beach
The role of tourism and resort development
Jamaica’s colonial-era beach laws explained
The campaign to protect public beaches
Why recent hurricanes have intensified the debate over the coastline
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In Grenada, this is straight up against the law.
All beaches are free to use. Especially for Locals
Thats why I wont stay on a resort there.
All beaches and coastal areas should be free to the public. It’s the one free joy that everyone can experience and locals should own the land, managed accordingly by the government.
Dear Jamaicans. Ontario Canada, 1000's of lakes and beaches, but locals can only access a very small % of waterfront.
All the waterfront was sold off and is private. Its disgusting how Canada boasts about its lakes, but enjoying them is only for the wealthy.
Just don’t go there on holiday change real quick
THE JAMAICAN PRIMEMINISTER ANDREW HOLNESS CANNOT BE TRUSTED IN NOWAY OR FORM!! AS NO PRIMEMINISTER WITH GOOD INTENTIONS WITH INTEGRITY AND FAIRNESS WHOULD MAKE HIS WIFE THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE IN PARLAMENT!
I’d love to blame the corporations, but, it’s their own government who makes the final decision. It’s their own people doing it to themselves.
Mass tourism is a cancer on most societies. Most often it's something which brings wealth to a few but ruins the quality of life for the many. People need to wake up. Tourists don't care about you but want to pretend that for a few weeks they have authenticity.
It's simple. Tax flights into your country and use this money for the people. Wake up and act.
All over the world…
Beaches should be free to Jamaicans in Jamaica. It should not be something they should have to fight for.
I dont wanna go to a place where the government says its own people can't go to their own beaches, what kinda foolishness is that !
I remember a documentary about this. Freed slaves were given strips of land along the coast to give them access for fishing and building a house. Back then beaches and swimming weren’t a thing, so the rich didn’t care. Fast forward to today and these family owned stretches of beach are now worth literally millions. Needless to say, many have been tempted to sell, hence the present situation where once they sell, they are no longer welcome. One old chap did say “Why would I want to sell? I would only want to buy somewhere like this anyway”😎.
Globalism strikes again
Do better Jamaica…
Why is the beach manager not Jamaican?
Who came here for the Jamaican accents, but was suprised with an outstanding documentary? 👌
Don't let it be a second Bali
Cedella said we should believe in her father's song One Love. Her father also sang, Get Up Stand Up….
Historically it was needed for the safety of tourists, in the modern world i can't see why public beaches can't be made safe.
Don't let them build on Bob Marley beach. This is disgusting. Its their beach!
The same is happening in Italy!! It’s the government…not the rich
Corruption isnt just in the West. Its Everywhere!
Americans they 8 english speaking
Take it up with the crown who own the coast line.
Max only 5 per cent of beach space should be private. Beaches are for the people to enjoy not the corporations
Reminds me off almost anywhere in the world. Where publics meets private property.
lol 😂😂😂😂
Regardless of whether or not private beach ownership stops crime… My brother in christ, the hotels own almost 100% of the beaches, They just don't want you to take one beach named after a hero of theres.
"walked these shores freely"
Hmmmmmm 15 seconds in and it's already waffle😂
I'm sure British news will be impartial on the subject😂
I was just in costa rica where all beaches are public.. it was so wonderful where jamaica had none at all!
All beaches are public in saint lucia