MONTEGO BAY, St James — More than 100 residents of Norwood here in St James have received land titles for property that they occupy.

The presentation ceremony, under the Housing Agency of Jamaica’s (HAJ) land-titling programme, was held on Sunday at the Norwood Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Dr Horace Chang, who handed over the documents, congratulated the new property owners.

“These are the individuals who have actually paid down for their lots and are receiving their registered titles. We have gone through certificate of ownership (and) this is a genuine, registered title, insured by the Government of Jamaica, to demark the property you are on, and it is yours,” he said.

The new land owners, he said, have made an investment in their homes and the development of a regulated, respected community, and should be proud.

“The Jamaican land title is an important piece of instrument. You have worked hard… it has taken you a long time.lots of hard work and sweat, and your own self-worth, self-pride, and ambition have given you a comfortable space,” he said.

Dr Chang, meanwhile, urged the residents to use the titles to improve their lives.

“You can use it in a way that you find appropriate. Whether you want to go to the bank and borrow some money and fix up the house, or help pay the school feel — the title gives you that type of opportunity,” he pointed out.

He said the Government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure and titles for residents living in informal communities.

“There are thousands of Jamaicans living in such areas… (so) what we want to do is to transform them. The programme will be adequately funded,” Dr Chang said.