Holness hands land titles to more than 40 Ackee Walk and Jackson Town families

Prime Minister Andrew Holness presided over a land titling ceremony on June 18, 2026, handing registered titles to more than 40 residents of Ackee Walk and Jackson Town in northwest St Andrew.

The event at Meadowbrook Church of Christ fulfilled a commitment Holness made when he launched the process in the constituency in October 2024. Both communities were declared under the Registration of Titles, Cadastral Mapping and Tenure Clarification Special Provisions Act, enabling the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development and the National Land Agency to pursue systematic registration rather than wait for residents to apply on their own.

Permanent Secretary Arlene Williams said ministry teams worked with the NLA and community members to verify possession, resolve disputes, and complete adjudication files. Member of Parliament Dwayne Smith described the effort as a relay begun by his father, former MP Derrick Smith, who secured 12 titles for nearby Aqueduct in 2015, and continued by former MP Dr. Nigel Clarke, who left funding in place before leaving office. Smith said Jackson Town carried greater complications than Aqueduct.

Minister without portfolio Robert Montague, who holds responsibility for land titling and settlements, told recipients that a title brings security, borrowing power, and something to leave to heirs. He urged Jamaicans to avoid squatting on state land and to occupy and use property lawfully. Holness said registered ownership protects families, allows land to serve as collateral, and supports intergenerational wealth. He noted Jamaica's titling rate stands at about 60%, below levels seen in many high-income countries, and said the government intends to expand systematic registration nationwide.

Beneficiaries from Ackee Walk and Jackson Town collected titles from Holness and Montague. Rosemary Pink, speaking on behalf of recipients, said the documents represent long-awaited security and a foundation for investment. Officials encouraged residents whose applications remain outstanding to provide required information so their matters can be completed.