The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) says it is contributing to a multi-agency policy regarding beach access and management and says public access does not mean free access.
The UDC made its comment in a long release issued last week following two articles in the media questioning access to one of the beaches it operates, Pearly Beach in St Ann and access to beaches generally in the Ocho Rios area. The other article questioned the overall government policy to beach access and raises the oft repeated concern about more and more beaches being blocked off from use by Jamaicans.
The UDC in its statement said it manages Pearly Beach and others and they are open to public use for a fee depending on availability.
Further it said: “It must be noted that public access does not mean free access or unrestricted access. It refers to accessing the recreational facility free from discrimination and preserving the right to book once the facility is available, in the instance of Pearly Beach,” (near Ocho Rios).
It went on to state that the UDC manages a number of public beaches across the islands for the recreational enjoyment of patrons. “The Corporation undertakes operational activities such as the provision of lifeguards, cleaning of the beach and other exigencies, for which nominal fees are in place.”
Pearly Beach, St Ann
With regard to Pearly Beach, the UDC said “this
facility is operated as a public beach, accommodating a range of group excursions, from corporate gatherings to parties, weddings or any other group event. The Corporation has invested significant efforts in upgrading the Beach in line with the needs of our customers as derived from market research. There continues to be a
high demand for this type of offering.” It said contact must be made with SADCO by those who wish to use the beach.
The UDC said all beaches it operates have been given the requisite beach licences from the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) and therefore operate in keeping with these standards. These beaches include
- Dunn’s River Beach
- Ocho Rios Bay Beach, St. Ann
- Fort Clarence Beach Park, St. Catherine
- Bluefields Beach Park, Westmoreland
- Long Bay Beach Park 1, Westmoreland
The Corporation says it has been contributing over the last few years to the development of a Beach Access and Management Policy as part of a multi-agency Beaches and
Coastal Resources Committee which includes agencies such as the Ministry of
Tourism, TPDCo, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (Fisheries Division). This process is being spearheaded by NEPA which will also be responsible for the enforcement of the policy.
The UDC release went on to discuss laws in Jamaica and the role of various agencies in determining use of the sea and foreshore.
