KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Minister with Responsibility for Housing Dr Morais Guy, says the Government remains committed to removing impediments to land acquisition by Jamaicans.

He informed that the “necessary framework and policies” are being instituted to create “an unhindered and unobstructed land acquisition process.”

Dr Guy was speaking at a land title presentation ceremony held on Friday (March 20) at the Bedward Gardens Seventh Day Adventist Church in St Andrew, where  62 residents of the community received titles under the National Land Titling Programme.

He informed that over 45,000 titles are currently ready for issuance by various Ministries and Agencies under the programme, and “I have been mandated by the Most Honourable Prime Minister (Portia Simpson Miller) to oversee the delivery.”

He said the Government sees land ownership as critical to the empowerment of “our people,” and the national development process.

“Land ownership is critical to the development of any country, and this is why this administration…has placed special emphasis on the security of tenure. Through the issuance of titles, we are providing the platform on which each recipient can provide security, food, and shelter for their respective families,” he said.

He added that “reducing land insecurity is the remit of the Government, and this administration will see to the success of this (National Land Titling) project.”

Under the initiative, Dr Guy said over 15,000 titles are to be delivered per annum, until all 45,000 are handed over to beneficiaries.