Why Can’t Jamaicans Access Their Own Beaches?

I stayed in Jamaica about five years ago in a sandals resort, and was shocked to see no locals on the beach. We were told not to leave the resort because it was to dangerous (so I did leave) . Probably the best thing I did, I had the best time with the locals, the beaches belong to the Jamaican people and they should have access to their beaches with no questions ask .. Fight for your rights people and don't give up ♥️

This is a disgrace. I hope the Jamaican people win their class actions.🙏

Wow, I actually stayed at the resort that they are showing in this video. I remember the resort telling us to let them know if the locals were "harassing" us on the beach and for us not to leave the beach area of the resort because it's dangerous. So I left the resort, spoke with the locals, and bought a few plates of jerk chicken from a local's stand that put the resort's jerk chicken to shame. I went back off the resort again, this time with my wife, and she got her hair braided by this nice elderly lady. Most of these people are just trying to make an honest living. Now of course you should be aware of your surroundings when in any foreign country, but these people were nothing to be afraid of. I appreciate them allowing us to enjoy their beautiful country.

I visited Mauritius where no Hotels are allowed to deny locals access to the beaches. Jamaicans must fight for access to all beaches

As a Barbadian, this was wild to me when I visited Jamaica . We have a law here against blocking the public from beaches. This is crazy the beach is our birthright.

I see this, and it makes me very angry because it is the same thing they have been trying to do in my country, Puerto Rico. My Jamaican brothers and sisters, don't stop fighting for what is yours. The beaches belong to the Jamaican people and not to a company. The majority of politicians in numerous countries are enemies of their own citizens, and these politicians will always succumb to big business or anybody else who can give them a lot of money. Keep fighting until the Jamaican people are given back their beaches.

Just went to Antigua and the law there says no one can block off beaches from the locals. As a Jamaican American this hurts my heart so much. Knowing that the beaches my family used to be able to access freely has now been sold to the highest foreign bidder makes me sick to my stomach. The government needs to stop selling out the land and people and do better.

I’m 41 and I’m so sick of society and money. I don’t even want to be on this hell of a planet. When are we all going to live in harmony. You have my word I will NEVER stay in a high end resort that takes over locals environments. I travel a lot too. This is sickening.

Jamaicans need to protest together. This is unacceptable 😤

Colonialism still runs deep in most of the world

The same thing happens here in South Florida where the coast will get bought out by mansions or companies that make locals pay to go to the beach

This same stuff is happening in Puerto Rico. The beaches are public by law, but the beaches in Dorado Beach were blocked off by rocks to keep the gated community beach private.

this is unacceptable this shows how the jamaican government truely cares about its citzens .

As a Jamaican who grew up close to the beach, without any restrictions. I can tell you that being able to go to the beach wherever and whenever you wanted was a big deal. And knowing that other Jamaicans no longer have those privileges breaks my heart. We can’t allow this to happen, we have to protect what will eventually become our children’s land.

That's the joy of going to Jamaica to see the locals hang out, eat local dishes. Many all-inclusive restaurants are watered down food and expensive gift shops

There are no private beaches in Barbados. Business people tried it in 1985. However, Barbados government made sure it did not happen because the people would not have it. The people organise and force the government to legislate and declare that all beaches are public property. So all hotels must provide public access through their properties. No political party could go against the policy and survive. The people spoke. The soca song 'Jack' by the Mighty Gabby best articulates the issues. The song was help to galvanised the campaign against private beaches.

Thank god this isn’t happening in barbados. The government of Jamaica should be ashamed of themselves. This is absolutely ridiculous and heartbreaking.

I stand with my fellow Jamaicans to gain access to all the beaches on the Island!

I’ve been to Jamacia several times. Hope to move there one day. The people are just beautiful, inside and out. So friendly and inviting. Just a good bunch of people.

When I was in Jamaica several years ago, I took a taxi from Falmouth to montego bay. Along the way, the taxi driver pointed out a small beach that the local Jamaicans use to swim. The rest of he other beaches were all private properties owned by the international resorts. The beaches are only open to people who stay on the resorts.