House debate spotlights land titling, hurricane housing and tourism worker concerns

Jamaica’s House of Representatives continued the Sectoral Debate at Gordon House on June 9, 2026, with presentations focused on land titling, squatting, hurricane recovery housing and concerns facing the tourism sector.

Speaker of the House Juliet Holness opened the sitting by welcoming members, media, visitors and students from several schools, including Oracabessa High, Galina Primary, Donnington Primary and Tacky High. She also acknowledged presiding officers from the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic region who attended the 22nd ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly and the 10th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network in Ottawa, Canada, from May 19 to 22.

Robert Montague, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for land titling and settlements, said Jamaica needs about 600,000 new titles to fully address its land-registration challenges. He said approximately 970,000 parcels are on the valuation roll, with 550,000 having titles, while many properties remain affected by informal subdivisions or are not registered in the current occupant’s name.

Montague announced plans to expand training for land professionals through a US$9-million partnership with South Korea, digitise land processes, move toward electronic titles by next September, and introduce a property watch service to alert landowners when applications are made to title their land. He also said people entering Crown lands after June 9 will no longer be considered for settlement programmes, and warned that persons selling Crown lands could face prosecution.

He also addressed containerised housing for people affected by Hurricane Melissa, saying 2,724 units are expected, including 200 donated by China. He said 1,424 units were already in Jamaica and that the National Housing Trust had bought 1,200 of them, with a commitment to purchase 2,500.

Andrea Purkiss, first-time Member of Parliament for Hanover Eastern and opposition spokesperson on tourism and linkages, used her maiden Sectoral Debate presentation to criticise the Government’s handling of tourism workers, local suppliers, transport operators and small accommodation providers. She argued that Jamaica’s tourism model is leaving too much revenue overseas while local workers and businesses struggle.

The House later approved the Shipping Prevention of Garbage Pollution Regulations, 2026, aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s rules against marine pollution from ships. Members were told the regulations give effect to international obligations under MARPOL and provide for inspection, record-keeping, enforcement and penalties for breaches.