Holness leads Manchester land title handover for 124 beneficiaries

Prime Minister Andrew Holness led a land titling ceremony at the Garden Hotel in Mandeville, Manchester, where 124 beneficiaries were to receive certificates of title through the Government’s Systematic Land Registration Programme.

The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development and the National Land Agency, along with Manchester residents and families receiving titles. Among those attending were Minister without portfolio Robert Montague, Manchester Central Member of Parliament Rhoda Moy Crawford, Permanent Secretary Arlene Williams, NLA Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of Lands Cherise Walcott, and Councillor Mario Mitchell, who represented Mandeville Mayor Donovan Mitchell.

Williams said the programme was helping Jamaicans move from informal occupation to registered ownership, giving families stronger security and access to economic opportunities. She said 124 beneficiaries were being recognised in Manchester, following a previous titling exercise in St. Elizabeth.

Crawford said many of the properties had been occupied, farmed or cared for by families for generations, but without formal legal proof of ownership. She said the new certificates would allow owners to borrow, invest, improve homes, transfer property more easily and build generational wealth.

Montague urged residents without titles to visit the National Land Agency office in Mandeville. He said the systematic process allows government teams to carry out work in declared areas, with costs recovered later over time without interest, while persons outside those areas may apply through the voluntary or ad hoc route.

Holness said the National Land Agency, now marking 25 years, has a role in reducing informality in land ownership. He warned that unclear ownership and uncertain boundaries often lead to disputes, family conflict and poorly planned settlements.

The Prime Minister also cautioned against persons abusing adverse possession by taking over private or government land, subdividing it and selling lots to unsuspecting buyers. He said orderly land settlement must be linked to infrastructure, housing, farming, roads, water, sewage and public services.

Titles were presented to recipients from communities including Greenvale, Mike Town, Claremont and Victoria Town.