Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

spanish town

The government in its bid to regularise land ownership in Jamaica, handed over 250 titles to persons in St Catherine on Wednesday.

The recipients, who were drawn from Linstead, Sligoville, Point Hill, Lluidasvale and other areas in the parish, were very thankful for the gesture which fell under the Land Administration and Management Programme (LAMP).

"I am really pleased that after living on my peace of land for 52 years, I am finally able to show ownership and a title for my little piece of rock. It is a great feeling," said Fitzroy Bell, a recipient from Time and Patience district. His views mirrored those of several other persons who spoke with THE STAR about being in possession of land titles.

600 beneficiaries so far

Gloria Brown, project director of LAMP, said the programme started in 2000 and to date about 600 persons in St Catherine have benefited from new titles, while about 1000 have upgraded their titles.

"Our aim is to regularise at least 6,000 titles and it is taking some time, however, we will get there as persons are aware of the big difference between us (LAMP) getting the title for them and going on the open market."

Much cheaper rates

Brown said it cost about $27,000 through LAMP, while on the open market similar procedure could cost up to $200,000.

In the meanwhile, minister of state for water and housing, Clifford Everald Warmington, congratulated the recipients. He warned however, that it is the intention to regularise persons who are legitimate land owners, as with a title it can help persons to become financially viable as it can be used as collateral.

Several persons brought greetings, among them member of parliament Robert Pickersgill, Custos Sophia Azan, Natalie Neita-Headley another member of parliament and mayor of Spanish Town Andrew Wheatley. The function was held at the Linstead Baptist Church under the theme 'My land in my hand'.