Target: Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica
Goal: Reopen public beach and bay access to all Jamaicans.
For generations, Jamaican communities enjoyed the natural beauty of coastal areas like Mammee Bay and Blue Lagoon for recreation, for family and communal gatherings, for mini-vacations, for sustenance, and simply for relaxation. Now, many of these aquatic havens are flanked by fences and armed security guards. The Jamaican government has locked the people away from their own lands in what angry residents call “plantation tourism.”
When Jamaica gained its independence from colonial rule, citizens had hope that the oppressive policies that favored rich tourists over residents would be a relic of the past. Yet archaic laws that granted the government unfettered authority over coastal lands remained. Public beach access has rapidly receded, with promises to reopen this access largely unfulfilled. Instead, residents have been forced to watch as private villas and other constructions projects geared toward tourists take over their cherished coastlines while they remain on the sidelines.
Sign the petition below to demand government leaders make good on their word to restore the land to the people.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Prime Minister Holness,
Jamaicans want to reconnect with their lagoons and bays. Fishermen want more opportunities to feed and nourish their communities. And families want to enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of their homeland’s majestic but not easily accessible coasts. The beach access issue goes beyond political parties and even beyond these parties’ formation. It represents a toxic remnant of a tragic colonial past, and citizens feel its inequity every day…which is why they have coined the moniker “plantation tourism.”
Your beach management and access policy has pledged reform, but critics worry that damaging and limiting restrictions still remain. Please listen to their concerns and work with the people to develop a policy that will restore their faith in their leaders and their belief in a truly free future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Capt. Jay Ruffins
