Tivoli Gardens residents receive certificates of possession

In a move toward formalizing land tenure, 221 residents of the Tivoli Gardens community in Kingston Western, Jamaica, have been issued certificates of possession. The handover ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, marks a significant step toward full homeownership for families in the area.

While a certificate of possession is not an individual registered title, officials noted it serves as a vital intermediate legal instrument. It verifies legitimate occupancy and provides the necessary foundation for residents to eventually transition to full ownership under the Registration of Titles Act. The documentation also enables beneficiaries to engage with utility companies and provides a pathway for socio-economic stability.

As part of the initiative, residents benefited from a $150,000 government amnesty programme designed to help occupiers in regularized housing schemes settle outstanding balances. The Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development is currently working to complete the verification process for the remaining 29 accounts in the community.