Samuda rejects beach access claim as Government points to coastal upgrades

Environment Minister Matthew Samuda is rejecting claims that public access to Jamaica’s coastline has fallen to below 1%, as the long-running dispute over beaches, development and local access continues to draw public and legal attention.

The issue has been pressed by beach campaigners and environmental advocates, who argue that new coastal projects are making it harder for Jamaicans to reach and use sections of the shoreline. Some activists also say major developments, especially all-inclusive hotels, have affected their livelihoods and that appeals for government action have not received enough response.

Samuda dismissed recent international reporting on the 1% figure, calling it “complete total nonsense” and saying people who repeat the claim damage the country. He said 21% of Jamaica’s coastline is formally set aside as public beach, and that 17 percentage points of that total offers free, unrestricted access.

The minister said there is room to examine what people are charged to enter some beach properties, but argued that Jamaica’s history of limited public funds has shaped the current system. He pointed to the Beach Control Act of 1956 and a later amendment under former Prime Minister Michael Manley, saying the country moved to licensing because the state could not properly maintain free public spaces. Samuda said modest fees at many beaches help cover bathrooms, security, lighting and parking-related costs.

The debate also carries economic weight, as tourism remains a major earner for Jamaica and beaches are central to the island’s image overseas. The Government says several beaches have been selected for improvement works across five parishes.

Samuda said real beach access requires more than opening a gate. He said roads, public facilities, crowd management, parking, security, monitoring, lifeguard stations and bathrooms all require investment, along with some commercial activity to support operations. He maintained that the Government is spending heavily to create practical access for Jamaicans.

The disagreement is expected to continue, with advocates pushing for wider public use of the coast while the Government insists its policies and upgrade programme show a commitment to preserving access and protecting the resource.