Several members of the Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement, JaBBEM, this morning staged a protest outside the gates of Little Dunn’s River, in St. Ann, calling for greater access to the facility.

The property was closed by the Urban Development Corporation, UDC in 2022 due to security concerns, but last year, it was provisionally reopened, on Sundays only.  

However, several members of the public want full access to the attraction.

President of JaBBEM, Dr. Devon Taylor who led today’s protest, said the facility is opened to the public twice weekly, but he wants the government to grant 7 day access to the beach.

He said today’s protest highlights the urgent need for the facility to be made accessible.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has indicated that the Beach Access and Management Policy is complete and will be tabled at the next sitting of the House.

The policy seeks to ensure Jamaica’s beaches are preserved and sustainably managed for present and future generations, with provision made for access of Jamaicans and visitors alike.

Speaking in parliament last Thursday, Mr. Holness said he listened carefully to the debates around beach access. 

He said the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation has spent a lot of time going through the policy because the issues are fundamental and deal with the rights of people.