Gov’t must act on land titles for Non Pariel and Canaan

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Every night, the national news showcases land-titling ceremonies across Jamaica. Yet, in the wake of Hurricane Melissa and a brutal drought, a deafening silence surrounds the Westmoreland communities of Non Pareil and Canaan. As a staunch Westmorelander and proud farmer’s daughter, I cannot stay silent while our families are left to suffer without legal proof of ownership for land they have possessed for decades.

These settlements are vibrant, multigenerational communities of family homes and working farms, where grandparents, parents, and children have lived and tilled the soil to help feed this nation. Today, without titles, residents are completely locked out of post-hurricane reconstruction assistance and drought-relief support.

In Non Pareil alone, more than 80 families remain trapped in legal limbo. Elders paid for their lots in full as far back as 1980 under government subdivision schemes. Yet, because these properties are classified as forestry lots, these families cannot obtain titles through traditional first registration or the Ad Hoc Adjudication Process. The path forward is clear: only a direct order from the political directorate can facilitate the issuance of these titles.

Allowing this land insecurity to be passed from parent to child for more than 40 years is unacceptable, especially as climate-related disasters threaten our very survival. We do not need more speeches. We need the prime minister and the political directorate to exercise their executive authority and issue the required orders for Non Pareil and Canaan immediately. Give our families their titles, their security, and the justice they have earned.

A Proud Farmer’s Daughter &

Westmorelander