The high importance of land ownership and the value of land titles were the recurring sentiments and themes at a ceremony officially marking the handover of nearly 100 titles to people settled by Noranda Bauxite Partners and its predecessor companies.
This is just the latest in a series of ceremonies to formally hand over titles to people resettled by the bauxite company. The company has also pointed out that, for various reasons, some titles have been handed out outside of these ceremonies.
The latest title handing over took place on Wednesday morning, June 28, at the company’s sports club, Discovery Bay and saw several people receive titles. In some cases, some individuals received more than one title on behalf of family members.
The recipients were all thankful and elated.
Among those speaking at the ceremony and reaffirming the value of titles were: Norma Walters, custos of St Ann, Dianne Gordon, of the Jamaica Bauxite Institute; Coy Roache, Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited, all of whom brought greeting and Delroy Dell, vice president and general manager Noranda Bauxite Partners. All of these also participated in handing over the titles at the event.
For his part, guest speaker ambassador Cliff Stone, who was representing minister of mining Mike Henry, said land was of “signal importance” in Jamaica and has been an issue since the abolition of slavery. Ambassador Stone said land was fundamental to “breaking the generational poverty cycle.” He spoke about steps of government over the years to encourage resettlement and said the “timely provision of land titles for these persons is of paramount importance.”
Mr Dell speaking at his first land titling session as general manager of Noranda Bauxite Partners said he expected this to be his first of many land titling ceremony. He thanked the people who had been resettled for their patience in securing the titles, as he said Noranda has made attempts over the last three years to speed up the land titling process.
He said “land ownership is a big deal” and reminded the people that “your title is not a piece of paper, it should be regarded as an investment that upgrades your own value, your own personal worth.” He told the audience that a title was key to doing “many things” including getting a loan from the bank, securing a mortgage, increasing one’s net worth and entrenching one’s social heritage.
In bringing greetings, Diane Gordon said she was proud that “Noranda has been able to deliver” on its promise to provide titles. She said over the years “they have performed very well.” She too encouraged the vendors who were receiving the titles to consider them as assets.
Speaking on behalf of the new title holders Samuel Watson said credit had to be given to Noranda for its progamme of providing the titles. He said it should be remembered that in the majority of cases people now being given title had none for the lands which they had handed over to Kaiser for mining. “Now that Noranda take over and start to give us titles we are happy,” Mr Watson said
Siblings Madline Brown and Alpheus Ellis together received the title for their families. Ms Brown said she is living in St Elizabeth while her brother is at Minard, she was happy to be there with him to receive the title on behalf of their family.
Businessman Alfred Thomas came from Kingston to receive titles for five parcels of land for his family. He said the titles meant much to his family who had waited for nearly 12 years to get them. He expressed thanks to Noranda.
Master of ceremonies was Kent Skyers, public and community relations superintendent. Prayer was done by Jessana Henry Riley, administrative assistant and welcome given by Evon Williams, property manager, Noranda.
Staff members of the Property and Legal Department of Noranda assisted with the handing over ceremony.
