Law should be amended to outlaw sale of crown lands to foreigners

There is growing concerns in some circles that , the Jamaican population could find themselves out of  land,  if politicians are allowed to continue selling of pieces of Jamaica bit by bit. There is also the concern that cash rich countries such as China and other could buy up large pieces of land for their own interest and this in turn could have serious implication for food security for Jamaica.

The sale of crown lands has been going on for years and those with long pockets, not only own some of the best pieces of lands in Jamaica, but it is being found that Jamaicans are no longer able to access areas such as beaches due to the work of our politicians.

I am using the forum therefore to urge Jamaicans to tell our politicians that as part of the way going forward, they must table legislation that places into the constitution something, which no longer allows outright sale of crown land to foreigners, where they can be majority owners.

It should indicate that anyone who wishes to participate in the investment process and requires land can choose to enter into long-term lease of they can partner with a local company or companies but own no more than 49% of the land in question.

There should be no option to buy out the shares of the others and if the other partners choose to leave for some reason, they would have to get others on board to still maintain the 49% land ownership.

If we do not take steps to preserve lands for Jamaicans, we could soon find ourselves “landless” and heading right back to where we were hundreds of years ago.

A dat me seh .