We are thrilled to introduce our very first Instagram live episode for “On D Radar with Writes & Kulcha.” This ‘On D Radar’ series aims to explore significant cultural and social issues in Jamaica and the Caribbean, and what better way to kick things off than with a topic close to the hearts of many Jamaicans— the fight for beach access rights to the culturally significant Bob Marley Beach.
In Conversation with Dr. Devon Taylor
On Saturday, November 26, 2022, we sat down with Dr. Devon Taylor, President of the Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JaBBEM), to discuss the ongoing legal battle to keep Bob Marley Beach accessible to the public. Dr. Taylor shared invaluable insights into the complexities surrounding beach access rights in Jamaica and updated us on the current status of legal proceedings.
Key Points from the Discussion
Government Statements on Bob Marley Beach
Robert Nesta Morgan, Minister Without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, made a series of tweets on October 20, shedding light on the legal ramifications of the beach’s sale, wherein he highlighted the enduring challenge of lands still owned by The Crown since colonisation.
On D Radar: Recent Developments
Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force conducted a search at Bob Marley Beach for marijuana in quantities exceeding legal limits. This occurred during a peaceful public occupation organised by JaBBEM, aimed at protesting an alleged imminent developer takeover. The event, dubbed “Get Up, Stand Up,” spanned two days and was held over the National Heroes Day weekend. The police action heightened tensions, as residents viewed it as intimidation intended to displace them from their homes.
An eyewitness, Maki Kawamoto, shared her experience of the police interaction on her Instagram account during the “Get Up, Stand Up” event, describing how the police forced the cessation of music and conducted a “special operation” to confiscate marijuana and essential community resources like water hoses. She questioned the timing of this operation coinciding with plans for the proposed hotel construction, and emphasised the need for respectful communication and coexistence between modern developments and Indigenous communities.
Photo: Tami Tsansai
Bob Marley Beach and The Fight for Beach Access
A 1956 law allows hotels and resorts to restrict access to beaches, cutting off Jamaicans from the waters they have historically worked and enjoyed. JaBBEM is dedicated to changing this. Despite the sale of Bob Marley Beach land being closed, JaBBEM has two strong court cases to preserve access rights for locals and all Jamaicans. The community’s prescriptive rights case is robust, and locals still have access to the beach currently. JaBBEM urges continued support for the movement to ensure Jamaican locals can enjoy their own beaches.
Photo: Tami Tsansai
Join the Bob Marley Beach Movement
We are grateful for the support and engagement from everyone who tuned in to our first Instagram live session. If you missed it, you may watch it here. The conversation with Dr. Taylor was enlightening, and it underscored the importance of preserving Jamaica’s natural and cultural heritage. Stay tuned for more episodes of “On D Radar with Writes & Kulcha,” where we will continue to spotlight crucial issues and amplify the voices advocating for change.
For more updates, follow @jabbemjabbem on Instagram to stay connected with their beach access advocacy efforts, and @writesandkulchamedia for more updates.
WK Admin