Court Grants Injunction Preventing Authorities from Blocking Access to Grounds, Beach and Falls at Popular Recreation Spot…For Now
OCHO RIOS, ST ANN; Oct. 2,2026
The court has ruled that, for now, people should have free access to Little Dunn’s River beach and falls, just west of Ocho Rios, St Ann.
Rights group Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JaBBEM) said in a release Friday, October 2, 2026, that the court granted an injunction in the matter concerning the right of access to Little Dunn’s River.
According to JaBBEM the injunction granted October 1, in the St Ann Parish Court, secures the Jamaican public’s unrestricted access to the beach, the river, the waterfalls and the sea at Little Dunn’s River. “The injunction ordered the defendant, along with its employees and agents, to stop blocking or restricting public access to Little Dunn’s River. The order also bars the defendant from obstructing the plaintiffs’ and the public’s use of the surrounding lands, roads, tracks and pathways that lead to the beach, river and waterfalls. The injunction will remain in effect until the court makes a final ruling on the case.”
For years now, members of the public and the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) have been at loggerheads over the public’s access to and use of the beautiful beach and falls west of Ocho Rios, close to Dunn’s River Falls and Park, and almost across the road from Mystic Mountain.
The authorities have restricted the days and times the beach may be accessed by people, mostly locals, as well as tourists. In recent weeks, it has been open only on Saturdays and Sundays and Public holidays. It is free to the public.
A murder at Little Dunn’s River beach two years ago and reports of extortion and other criminal activity there strengthened the hands of the authorities for more regulation. They have also argued that sanitation and security are inadequate under the present arrangements.
Head of JABBEAM, Dr Devon Taylor, who has been leading the fight for full, free access to Little Dunn’s River, and a broader empowerment of Jamaicans to access beaches around the country, welcomed the court injunction. He said: “Effective today [October 2, 2026], no one may lawfully block the public from Little Dunn’s River or from the roads, tracks and pathways Jamaicans have long used to reach the beach, river and waterfalls.”
It is reported that the Government is to appeal the judge’s decision to grant the injunction.
