THE State-owned SCJ Holdings (SCJH) has added its voice to those expressing concern about an increase in people capturing unoccupied land.

At the regular monthly meeting of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation last Thursday Mayor of Falmouth C Junior Gager reported receiving complaints of land grabbing in several sections of the parish.

Gager urged landowners to remain vigilant against individuals who are illegally acquiring and reselling property.

“To our citizens, owners of land, wherever you are, in Scarlet Hall or elsewhere, we have been having some prime examples of persons who are willing to come on to your land and survey it and then claim ownership of your land. Many times, it is when the thing gets too bad that we do know where this illegal subdivision is being done. Many times, our officers don’t know about it until long after,” Gager said as he warned that without proper oversight, Trelawny could descend into disorder.

“I am appealing to the large landowners, have someone patrol your lands maybe once a month; drive around and see what is happening. Small landowners, too, I urge you to pay attention to what is there,” Gager added.

The problem was underscored recently with SCJH indicating that it has intensified efforts to address the growing issue of illegal occupation and unauthorised sale of Government-owned former sugar lands across several parishes.

Speaking with JIS News, SCJH Managing Director Nigel Myrie said there has been an increase in encroachment on lands historically associated with sugar production, particularly in St Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland, and Clarendon.

He said the situation has escalated beyond informal squatting, with some people now illegally subdividing and selling lands to which they have no legal claim.

“We are now in possession of the names of individuals identified as ringleaders in these illicit land transactions involving SCJ-owned properties,” Myrie told JIS News.

He said SCJH has already started coordinated enforcement actions with municipal corporations in Trelawny and St Thomas, where notices have been served to persons engaged in unauthorised occupation and construction.

According to Myrie, similar partnerships are being extended to other affected parishes.

He said the company has implemented several measures, including the installation of ‘No Trespassing’ signs, issuance of cease-and-desist orders, and notices to vacate.

Myrie said SCJH is prepared to escalate enforcement where necessary.

“One of the enforcement options available to us is demolition. We may be compelled to remove some of these illegal structures in short order, as we have a responsibility to protect Government-owned lands,” declared Myrie.

The SCJH managing director said the company may pursue legal action, including seeking court orders to facilitate the removal of illegal structures at the occupants’ expense.

Myrie pointed out that many of these informal settlements are being established in unsuitable and high-risk locations, including swampy, flood-prone, and environmentally sensitive areas, without the requisite approvals or supporting infrastructure.

“These settlements lack essential services such as road access, water supply, electricity, and other basic amenities,” Myrie noted.

He said that such developments pose significant risks not only to occupants but also to neighbouring communities, and cited concerns related to restricted emergency access, environmental degradation, and potential conflicts with legitimate leaseholders.

Myrie is urging members of the public to avoid engaging in unofficial land transactions and instead work directly with SCJH to secure lawful access to lands.

“Engaging in these transactions supports criminal activity. Individuals are paying for land from persons who cannot provide legal title or proof of ownership,” pointed out Myrie as he warned that illegal developments are under constant surveillance.

“We utilise satellite imagery extensively. From the moment groundwork begins, we are able to detect and monitor these activities. These developments are not hidden,” declared Myrie.

Representatives of SCJ Holdings erecting a “No Trespassing” sign on former sugar lands in Trelawny as part of measures to stem the illegal occupation and unauthorised sale of such properties across the island. (Photo: JIS)