JIS News: Jamaica moves on squatting, Ebola readiness, customs cash rules

Jamaica’s Government is moving to tighten its response to illegal squatting, adverse possession, land registration delays and idle Crown lands, according to the June 10, 2026 JIS news bulletin. Minister with responsibility for land titling and settlements Robert Montague told Parliament during his 2026/2027 Sectoral Debate presentation on Tuesday that, effective June 9, persons who newly occupy Crown lands will not qualify for settlement programmes, while those who sell government land will face prosecution.

Montague urged Jamaicans to verify land transactions with the National Land Agency before buying property. He said the Government is consulting widely on squatting, balancing the need for land and orderly development with respect for property rights. Drone and spatial surveys have already identified existing occupations on Crown lands, and discussions are under way on the adverse possession timeframe and with Members of Parliament about constituency-level squatting concerns. He also warned that MPs, councillors, justices of the peace, community figures and area leaders have no authority to sell government property.

The Government also plans a survey loan fund to help small landholders move closer to receiving titles. Landowners with two acres or less would be able to apply for a surveyor’s fee loan through LAMP, an NLA-trained and certified lawyer, or a recognised land management service company. Funds would go directly to surveyors, with a caveat placed on the title so taxpayers can be repaid. Government land processes, including surveys, are to be digitised to allow e-titles by September next year, with a target of more than 30,000 e-titles annually and a paid property-watch service for owners.

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said Jamaica remains Ebola-free and the national risk is low, but preparedness has been strengthened in line with World Health Organization standards. Measures include surveillance at airports and cruise ports, coordination among border agencies, sensitisation of frontline staff, infection-control reinforcement, and checks at entry and isolation points. About 1,100 personnel have been sensitised. Nine arriving passengers with travel links to Ebola-affected countries were counselled, placed under mandatory self-quarantine and monitored, with no Ebola symptoms reported. Travellers from or through affected countries will be quarantined for 21 days.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams clarified that travellers may enter Jamaica with up to US$10,000, or its equivalent, without declaring it. Amounts above that threshold must be declared on the Enter Jamaica electronic form, though authorities may question or seize cash where there are reasonable suspicions under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang said forensic science is improving investigations and prosecutions, citing DNA, fingerprints, digital evidence, ballistics, toxicology, pathology and crime-scene reconstruction. He said the JCF Forensic Services Branch has consolidated major disciplines, and a new forensic pathology autopsy suite is expected to be commissioned this month.

The Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation also received $4.5 million from the 5K Run for Mom to support adolescent mothers. Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange welcomed the donation, saying the programme helps both young mothers continuing their education and their children.