Jamaica lists 60 public beaches with free access

The Jamaican Ministry of Tourism has released a list of 60 beaches that provide free access to the public, aiming to address ongoing disputes regarding coastline accessibility. The move follows allegations that private developments and hotels are restricting local access to the island’s shores.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has rejected claims that Jamaicans are being systematically shut out of beaches, stating that such reports are damaging to the nation’s reputation. While acknowledging that disputes may occur at specific locations, Bartlett emphasized that many public bathing beaches remain open for activities such as swimming, fishing, and water sports without entry fees.

More than half of the identified free beaches are located along the northern coast, spanning parishes including Hanover, St. James, Trelawny, St. Ann, St. Mary, and Portland. St. Elizabeth holds the highest number of listed free public beaches with nine locations, including Great Bay and Fort Charles.