More free beaches: Jamaica moves to improve public beach access for residents

After years of public frustration over limited access to some of the island’s most scenic beaches, the Jamaica government says it is taking concrete steps to ensure that citizens can enjoy more of the nation’s coastline — even as hotel development continues to expand.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda, announced on Tuesday that newly approved hotel projects are now required to include pathways to public beaches traditionally used by locals. The initiative, he said, is part of a broader push to secure beach access for all Jamaicans without infringing on private property rights.

Speaking in the House of Representatives during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate, Samuda pointed to a recent development in Trelawny as an example, where a designated public pathway now runs between the Riu and Royalton hotels.

While some Caribbean nations like the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, and Antigua and Barbuda guarantee free and unrestricted access to all beaches, Jamaica has struggled with the privatization of many of its most popular shores. Though there are public beaches across the island, locals have long argued that the best and most scenic spots are often controlled by private interests or come with hefty entrance fees.

A petition launched on the Office of the Prime Minister’s website called for a revision of the Beach Control Act Law to allow citizens of Jamaica access to every beach.

That longstanding demand is now being addressed.

Samuda revealed that the long-anticipated Beach Access Policy has been completed and is now before Cabinet for final review. The policy, developed through consultations with the private sector, civil society groups, and the general public, aims to increase access, improve standards, and ensure sustainable maintenance of beaches available to the public.

“In this season of false promises, this issue is again front and center,” he said. “This policy will balance the rights and expectations of citizens with that of local and foreign investors while adhering to the laws of Jamaica.”

He emphasized that securing access isn’t just about policy, but also about financial commitment and coordination across government agencies.

“Beach access doesn’t require policy solely. It requires investment and coordinated developments,” he said, citing ongoing efforts by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), and the Fisheries Division.

Among the highlights, Samuda pointed to several new and upcoming projects, including:

• Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, which he described as a model of public access done right.

• The forthcoming Negril Public Beach Park, which will feature beach access, a craft market, and an entertainment zone.

• Upcoming upgrades to three additional beach parks: Pagee Beach in St. Mary, Success Beach in eastern St. James, and Priory Bathing Beach (Fantasy Beach).

“These are quality beach parks for Jamaicans to access freely,” Samuda declared.

He also reaffirmed that new hotel approvals will continue to be tied to public access commitments. “This government, through its regulatory process, has sought to preserve access points to beaches long accessed by citizens,” he said. “Hotels that are now getting approval are required to put in place pathways providing access to citizens to beaches that they previously had access to.”

While the Beach Access Policy still awaits Cabinet sign-off, Samuda’s presentation signals a more proactive government stance on an issue that has long been a sore point for many Jamaicans.