Young Jamaica commends PM handing over of titles to 300 Clifton residents
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Young Jamaica (YJ), the youth arm of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has commended Prime Minister Andrew Holness for recently handing over titles to 300 residents of the Clifton community in Bernard Lodge, St Catherine who were displaced after their homes were demolished in October 2022.
Residents of the area had reportedly been scammed into paying for lands for which the illegal sellers did not hold titles.
In a news release Young Jamaica Central Co-ordinator, Zukie Jarrett commended “the prime minister’s decision to grant land titles to the 300 displaced residents, describing it as a “profound act of compassion and leadership”.
“This gesture not only restores dignity and security to the affected families but also underscores a deep commitment to the well-being of all citizens,” Jarrett said.
“The prime minister’s initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of the residents but also paves the way for long-term community development and growth. With secure land tenure, the families can now access various government programs and services, fostering an environment of progress and prosperity,” he added.
The provision of the titles was done under the Community Regularisation and Development Programme being implemented by SCJ Holdings, which aims to formalise occupation of informal communities around the various sugar estates across the island.
SCJ Holdings is owned by the Government of Jamaica, with a mission to provide efficient land management services that will foster sustainable, economic, and social development in former sugar-dependent communities.
The prime minister said that the area will benefit from a project for which $15 billion has been earmarked to enhance communities with limited infrastructure.
“The prime minister’s actions reflect a caring and compassionate leadership that puts people first. By recognising the struggles of these families and taking concrete steps to alleviate their burdens, the prime minister has demonstrated an exemplary model of governance,” Jarrett argued.
