Preface
A vibrant tourist industry is essential for contributing
to the continued growth of the Jamaican economy. Of importance
to a successful tourism industry is a harmonious local social
climate in which visitors and residents can share and enjoy
the natural environment.
Tourism in Jamaica depends to a large extent on effective
coastal zone management and the availability of white sand
beaches and opportunities for water sports and other marine-based
forms of recreation. Regrettably, earlier policies for management
of the foreshore resulted in the separation of visitors from
residents through a system of exclusive licences which resulted
in Jamaicans being barred from some of the finest beaches
in the country. This action was taken in good faith at a time
when the nation's population was smaller, required less access
to beaches and was less mobile than it is now. As economic
development has progressed, and demography and people's aspirations
have changed, so also has developed a demand by local residents
for improved access to their own beaches and foreshore, to
be given parity with the visitor and not treated in their
own country as second class citizens. Instances are on record
of Jamaican citizens with peaceful intent being intimidated
and denied access or passage along such beaches as Negril
and Runaway Bay, or denied access to traditional bathing places
such as San San in Portland.
Such instances lead to resentment and, with growing affluence
and aspirations among the local population, will sooner or
later lead to social disharmony. Other countries in the Region,
notably Barbados and Antigua, maintain an open foreshore policy
where resident and visitor meet and interact in harmony. There
can be no good reason why Jamaica cannot achieve a similar
state, in keeping with the spirit and intent of the Beach
Control Act, 1956.
This document addresses the issues and sets out a new
policy framework for public access to beaches. In formulating
this policy, it has been recognized that, if it is adopted,
the early implementation of the policy will be difficult and
will demand patience and goodwill by everyone involved.
The benefit to the people of Jamaica and the achievement
of harmony between resident and visitor are the ultimate reward
for adopting this policy.
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