The Urban Development Corporation, UDC and lobby group, Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement, JABBEM are reportedly in discussions to reach a settlement regarding access to the Belmont Cove property in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.

The parties were at court today for the start of a trial following a claim filed by JABBEM seeking to have the UDC lift the limited access regime for the property, commonly known as Little Dunn’s River.

UDC had closed the property in August 2022, in the wake of the murder of a man, citing concerns about safety and the need to fully develop the attraction.

For years, citizens have had access to Belmont Cove, despite it not being a formally offered attraction by the UDC.  

When it was closed, residents of Ocho Rios and advocacy groups lamented that it was the only free beach in the area, and called for access to be restored.

The UDC later offered limited access, with the attraction opened on Sundays only.    

Attorney-at-law, Marcus Goffe told Irie FM News that when the matter was called up in court today, the lawyers for the UDC indicated that the agency is willing to hold discussions, or negotiate a settlement.

Goffe said the parties began preliminary talks today and will continue at a later date, next month.