Residents of Providence / Flanker, in Montego Bay, St. James, with support from a local lobby group, will be seeking legal intervention through the court, in relation to being denied access to the beach and sea.

This after Sandals Resorts indicated its intention to expand its tourism offering, with more rooms, via the development of villas and overwater bungalows.

Despite objections raised by the residents during an environment impact assessment session, hosted by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), in May, the resort is moving ahead with its plans.

As such, the Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JABBEM), in collaboration with residents, filed a lawsuit under the Prescription Act.

President of JABBEM Dr. Devon Taylor said the suit seeks to protect the residents right to access Providence beach, as well as preserve the rights of fisher folk to use sea channels.

Dr. Taylor expressed concern that Jamaica does not have any legislation relating to development of over water bungalows, which essentially, privatises the sea.

He argued that public beach access rights are being ignored by private real estate interests, with alleged inaction by the government, so the residents are adamant that they will not lose another beach.

Dr. Taylor is calling on the government to repeal the 1956 Beach Control Act and replace it with modern legislation that confers right of access to beaches.

The case is set for hearing in the St. James parish court next Monday, October 6, at 10:00 a.m.

JABBEM will host a press briefing immediately after the hearing to provide the public with an update.