Government outlines land titling, Ebola readiness and public safety updates

The Jamaica Information Service programme for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, outlined a series of national updates, led by planned government action on illegal occupation of Crown land, land titling reform and public health preparedness.

Minister with responsibility for land titling and settlements Robert Montague told the 2026/2027 Sectoral Debate in Parliament that stronger steps are being prepared to address squatting, adverse possession, land registration and idle lands. He said that, effective June 9, persons who move onto Crown lands will not qualify for settlement programmes, while anyone selling Crown lands will face prosecution. Montague urged buyers to verify land transactions with the National Land Agency before paying money.

He said the Government is considering changes to the adverse possession timeline and will meet Members of Parliament about squatting issues in their constituencies. A revolving survey loan fund is also proposed for owners of two acres or less, with payments made directly to surveyors. The Government plans to digitise land titling and issue electronic titles by September next year, with an expected capacity of more than 30,000 e-titles annually.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said Jamaica remains Ebola-free and that the risk to the country is low. He said border surveillance, staff sensitisation and entry-point readiness have been strengthened in keeping with World Health Organization standards. Nine passengers linked to travel through Ebola-affected countries were counselled, placed under mandatory self-quarantine and monitored, with no symptoms reported.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams clarified that travellers may enter Jamaica with up to US$10,000, or the equivalent in another currency, without declaring it. She said larger sums must be declared on the Enter Jamaica electronic form, while authorities may still question cash where reasonable suspicion exists under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang said wider use of forensic science is improving investigations and prosecutions. The programme also reported a $4.5-million donation to the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, hurricane-season health preparedness advice, data-protection guidance for organisations, and literacy initiatives at Jessie Ripoll Primary and Franklin Town Primary, where reading support and digital tools are being combined.