Resettled St Ann residents get land titles

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

BROWN'S TOWN, St Ann:

RESIDENTS OF South Lindale resettlement subdivision in Brown's Town, St Ann, were in a celebratory mood recently as they received their land titles from Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners (NJBP), after a protracted period in some instances.

The bauxite company presented 50 land titles to the residents after an accelerated land-titling programme undertaken by NJBP in partnership with the Office of the Commissioner of Lands.

Director of legal and property affairs at Noranda Jamaica, David Wong Ken, explained that the company's immediate plan is to deliver titles to all persons who have been resettled at Lindale. The bauxite company had purchased the land from the residents for bauxite mining purposes over a period of time.

"This will be advanced as we continue to work closely with the commissioner of lands and mines to step up the programme to complete all title clearances in other areas, to ensure that persons are much better able to secure their titles in a reasonable and satisfactory time," Wong Ken promised.

Praises to the staff

President of NJBP, Pansy Johnson, who presented the residents with the titles, saluted the new landowners and thanked them for their support and understanding in the face of delays in the past. Johnson also praised the staff of the Office of the Commissioner of Lands for their assistance and guidance in the process.

Mayor of St Ann's Bay Desmond Gilmore, who spoke at the ceremony, congratulated Noranda Jamaica and the vendors on what he described as a historic day. He reminded the owners that their titles now offer them a security of tenure that will empower them in the handling of their legal and financial affairs.

The handover of land titles to residents marks a continuation of Noranda's involvement with the community, which has seen the bauxite company being involved in areas such as education and agriculture.

rural@gleanerjm.com