Churches can help solve squatting problem
Dear Editor,
With approximately 1.5 million landless Jamaicans, we cannot afford more theological debate. We need action.
No one knows the exact acreage owned by the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. There is no public register, yet both are believed to be among the largest landholders after the Government.
It is believed the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands holds 80-plus parcels. The Catholic Church is reported to operate 31 parishes and major schools. Church officials admit half or less is used for worship or schools. The rest is idle or squatted on, and it is believed much of it was never properly titled from the colonial era.
As we tackle squatting and poverty, the churches must be part of the solution. I propose a full church land audit followed by the ‘2 Square Solution’ — granting small parcels to the landless to unlock gross domestic product (GDP) growth and dignity.
Every human being has a right to a liveable space.
Churches, get on board, in Jesus’s name!
Michael Spence
micspen2@hotmail.com
