Why Can’t Jamaicans Access Their Own Beaches?

According to one advocacy group’s calculations, less than 1% of Jamaica’s coastline is accessible to the public. Increasingly, everyday Jamaicans are being blocked from their beaches by all-inclusive resorts and hotels. Many of them relied on those beaches for their livelihood, so now some of them are suing companies and government agencies to get that access back.
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[@davidthomson7249]

I stayed in Jamaica about five years ago in a sandals resort, and was shocked to see no locals on the beach. We were told not to leave the resort because it was to dangerous (so I did leave) . Probably the best thing I did, I had the best time with the locals, the beaches belong to the Jamaican people and they should have access to their beaches with no questions ask .. Fight for your rights people and don't give up ♥️

[@silvercat6425]

They will use the word (DANGEROUS) just to keep the ppl them from the locals

[@Kennythecardealer]

@@silvercat6425very true my family is from Jamaica, walking, taking the bus, taxi, driving, going to the mall I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe. It wasn’t dangerous, I spent time at Buju house meeting great amazing people and I’ve decided to move to Jamaica. It’s sad because similar things happen in the USA, an African American family got a beach back that was stolen from them, it was an segregated beach in California. It’s sad how they always try to make us look “dangerous” and steal everything we have, times have changed Jamaicans are strong they won’t let them take their island.

[@MsDesiree39]

Do you know the level of crime in Jamaica? Yes, they shiuld not be kept from so many Beaches but if you want the Tiurists to feel safe enough to visit and feel comfortable

[@Kimmy_95]

They said that to you because the aim is the reap ALL the profits. That's why All-Inclusive resorts try to provide everything so you have no reason to explore.(Yes crime is a problem) so they probably meant well as to avoid any potential problems. At the same time it was for their benefit......In my country, also in the Caribbean, there was a pushback against SANDALS only because of (where) they wanted to build their resort which would have destroyed the mangroves & other natural elements, doing more harm than good. People don't realize that as pretty as these resorts are that the general public do NOT benefit financially

[@justbdsd4569]

Many Jamaicans are on the beach you may not notice them because they don't act the way you may picture.

[@Wonderwoman79G]

This is a disgrace. I hope the Jamaican people win their class actions.🙏

[@lizbethartemis4886]

They have VP - it is now - or never.

[@Curling_Rack]

Shabba!

[@davidscott3726]

You tlk too much .When the beaches are free they over run by thugs and it gets durty

[@cuturu8724]

I want these exploiters out of everything but I hate that they have a massive chance of winning

[@cayarudegal]

Huge disgrace. This is why I will not go to a resort when I go! I refuse to dishonor them

[@brandonsmith5974]

Wow, I actually stayed at the resort that they are showing in this video. I remember the resort telling us to let them know if the locals were "harassing" us on the beach and for us not to leave the beach area of the resort because it's dangerous. So I left the resort, spoke with the locals, and bought a few plates of jerk chicken from a local's stand that put the resort's jerk chicken to shame. I went back off the resort again, this time with my wife, and she got her hair braided by this nice elderly lady. Most of these people are just trying to make an honest living. Now of course you should be aware of your surroundings when in any foreign country, but these people were nothing to be afraid of. I appreciate them allowing us to enjoy their beautiful country.

[@gracesibley2641]

Thank you for sharing as a Jamaican I can share that Jamaicans are genuinely kind and loving people ❤ they’re just trying to make a living and shouldn’t be punished because of some foolish people who have chosen to steal

[@IDFCClan]

IVE HEARD ITS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS

[@enturnetrol7869]

Not like it's any different in the United States. Plenty of privately owned beaches here.

[@bobloblaw9679]

@@IDFCClan yeah crime happens everywhere. humans are a dangerous animal.

[@danielcunningham6727]

​@IDFCClan exactly you've "heard" not experienced so before passing judgment why dont you go and see for yourself ?

[@dnice4818]

That's the joy of going to Jamaica to see the locals hang out, eat local dishes. Many all-inclusive restaurants are watered down food and expensive gift shops

[@user-mt4tl4ms4i]

Truth

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Let me guess - Conagra packaged products and gift shop full of made in China items.

[@SasaSasa-wy9wu]

Watered down versions are the worst. I’m in Jamaica to experience THE REAL Jamaica.

[@GhostLGNDClashRoyale]

Yeah i want to go there for the food and people

[@dalecarrington7851]

As a Barbadian, this was wild to me when I visited Jamaica . We have a law here against blocking the public from beaches. This is crazy the beach is our birthright.

[@NorthElevation]

I left Barbados from the time I was small. I’m grown now. But wasn’t there a time when all the beaches in Barbados weren’t public? I only ask because The Mighty Gabby made a song back in the 80’s called “Jack, the beach is mine.” Do you remember that song?

[@toltol5882]

We don’t have a birth right without a strong community!

[@KingUSVI]

Same here in the Virgin Islands. There are laws in place prohibiting this unjust practice shown in this video.

[@PatriciaSonia]

@@NorthElevationThe Mighty Gabby made that song when business man Jack Dear was complaining about locals on the beach. He thought we were annoying tourists and suggested we limit locals on the beach. That song rallied the community and let politicians know that crap would not work in Barbados. You can fence your property, but they must always be a public access to any beach in Barbados.

[@NorthElevation]

@@KingUSVI You must be talking about the British Virgin Islands? No way you’re talking about the US Virgin Islands. Because when I visited Saint Thomas I stayed at two resorts and their beaches were private. Limetree and Margaritaville.

[@aci25tv]

I see this, and it makes me very angry because it is the same thing they have been trying to do in my country, Puerto Rico. My Jamaican brothers and sisters, don't stop fighting for what is yours. The beaches belong to the Jamaican people and not to a company. The majority of politicians in numerous countries are enemies of their own citizens, and these politicians will always succumb to big business or anybody else who can give them a lot of money. Keep fighting until the Jamaican people are given back their beaches.

[@davidscott3726]

Bro trust me ,don't fall for this documentary.Jamaica still has free beaches,. JAMAICANS want to have it all even when they mess sh!t up.Our major free Beach in Kingston is dirty and run by gangster. Their are aloooot of free beaches in Jamaica all over the island ,these people just mad that they won't get the opportunity to harass tourist.

[@oliviagraham9798]

Puerto Rico isn't a country...

[@davida.rodriguez8870]

@@oliviagraham9798 Politically no, but culturally yes. On the island we call ourselves "el pais"... The country! It's a local thing to the island that has existed for multiple generations. Outsiders never seem to understand it, and they don't need to. It matters to us, and we don't need to ask permission to do so. We Puerto Rican understand it, and if you don't care to good riddance.

[@davida.rodriguez8870]

Lo triste es que Jamaica demuestra la pesadilla extrema de lo que estamos luchando en Puerto Rico. Aunque hay muchos problemas con el asunto de la costas en el PR por lo menos la constitution tiene escrito que las playas son de dominio público. Jamaica no. Apenas pueden accessor el 1% de su costas. Ni quiero imaginarlo. Espero que otros en nuestra isla vean esto. Prueba que nuestra lucha por nuestras playas es más que necesario para nosotros y generaciones futuras.

[@personofinterest6813]

There are still many beaches that Jamaicans or ANYONE can walk up to w/o paying money! The video itself casually stated that there are approximately 75 public beaches on such a small island!! Of course there are also private beaches, but that is like anywhere else! I hate when they broad brush things like this, bc its not based on facts, only an ag-nda.

[@nikkilittle1444]

I’m 41 and I’m so sick of society and money. I don’t even want to be on this hell of a planet. When are we all going to live in harmony. You have my word I will NEVER stay in a high end resort that takes over locals environments. I travel a lot too. This is sickening.

[@GlassDolphin465]

People these days are FAR too greedy and selfish. It would not feel like a “vacation” if a local couldn’t come on their own damn beach. It’s all about money. I’m sick of it.

[@foxconix8319]

I don't wanna be on this hell planet as well.

[@angelheaven2826]

I totally understand. SMDH. 😠 😡 🤬

[@SasaSasa-wy9wu]

I hear u. 😡😡😡😡 this makes me so angry.

[@horizonsglobalmedia]

There are no private beaches in Barbados. Business people tried it in 1985. However, Barbados government made sure it did not happen because the people would not have it. The people organise and force the government to legislate and declare that all beaches are public property. So all hotels must provide public access through their properties. No political party could go against the policy and survive. The people spoke. The soca song 'Jack' by the Mighty Gabby best articulates the issues. The song was help to galvanised the campaign against private beaches.

[@Pharaohx115]

this is unacceptable this shows how the jamaican government truely cares about its citzens .

[@lizbethartemis4886]

Write to your VP. She is 1/2 Jamaican. I wonder if she has ever visited the island.

[@Curling_Rack]

bomba!

[@jamepearson]

Of course she have visited in her lifetime. But anyways, what you think she could do beside hear your concerns? The U.S. don't have jurisdiction on territory not theirs. They are visitors like the rest of the resort goers. @@lizbethartemis4886

[@caramelking-zf8wu]

They Tethers !!

[@rasempress9724]

On a visit home I was driving along the Coast n stopped the car n stepped down to dip mi feet in the sea…use to do that as a child, saying that I was ‘off’ the island…a Jcan security guard stepped out of nowhere n told me that I was trespassing…I told him that i knew he was doing what he was hired to do, but as a bawn Jamaican mi no see how seawater that run along our coast can b private…n having done his job, he could move on ….Jcans conspire with the foreign interests , ‘buying’ the land n then selling it to them….have been saying for awhile that apartheid coming to that ‘tourist corridor’ ….workers only will b admitted via passes…’

[@juiceandfoodbykay]

Jamaicans need to protest together. This is unacceptable 😤

[@davidscott3726]

This is a lie . Jamaica still has many many free beaches The problem is that when beaches are left free ,they tend to get dirty amd overrun by thugs .Just the other day a vendor killed a next vendor all because of lack of regulations.

[@Ynalaw]

A lot of the Jamaicans in Toronto carry knives. I can see the must be a tradition from the fishing culture. You never know when you need to mend your net. Its always good to have a double-bladed knife handy.

[@dahbajanman7044]

Protest for what? They voted the useless clowns into power that allowed this to happen. In Barbados this cannot happen cause the beach is owned by the people.

[@lastshadowman]

​@@davidscott3726less than 1% of the beaches are free how is that many? That altercation where one vendor killed the other is a part of a larger problem which is scarcity of opportunity which creates desperation and hostility. Regardless it's not right for the beaches to be restricted from the locals.

[@ricko2301]

​@@lastshadowmanSo because you heard it in one video means that's a fact? Did you do any research into it before commenting? Don't be a sheep

[@cameroonkendrick6312]

The same thing happens here in South Florida where the coast will get bought out by mansions or companies that make locals pay to go to the beach

[@scotte2477]

Exactly. The fact this private land is on the coast has no difference if it was anywhere else. Private land is private. If you are a guest, paying or not, then you are welcome. If you're not a guest, then you are not welcome. I don't know why people find this hard to understand.

[@distilledgogilba]

@@scotte2477The price of everything, the value of nothing.

[@anndeecosita3586]

I live in the USA (Gulf Coast) and our beaches are owned by the county which doesn’t allow permanent structures on the beach.

[@anndeecosita3586]

@@scotte2477A lot of times beaches aren’t private. It’s the land adjacent to the beach that’s private so the owners are able to block public access. Kind of similar to the difference between your property and right of way property. What gets me about owners who block access to public land is when there is an issue like a spill or jubilee they expect taxpayers to foot the bill because then it’s public.

[@jlm3744]

This same stuff is happening in Puerto Rico. The beaches are public by law, but the beaches in Dorado Beach were blocked off by rocks to keep the gated community beach private.

[@yallarecrazy5838]

Colonialism still runs deep in most of the world

[@beverleyreid7572]

So true.

[@MsDesiree39]

Had it not been for Colonialism blacks and everyone else wouldn't be here so stop blaming colonialism and blame the govt. Question, would the Toursist be safe if the locals are allowed to be on those Beaches too? Crime is very high in Jamaica

[@yoooooooalalalalalalalal]

This happens right now in greek and italy too. For the uneducated ones lol this are European countrys.

[@empresssk]

⁠​​⁠​​⁠So everybody should be grateful for colonialism because it was some kinda gift to be born away from homeland of our ancestors??????? Please shove your ignorance back down your pathetic throat. As for governments being the only ones to blame, that is naive. The video clearly highlights how many colloquial laws still stand. In modern times, colonialism is only overshadowed by capitalism / the mighty dollar and this significantly corrupts the agenda of most governments. If you scared of being attacked by locals, that should obviously tell you that that country is going through some things and you probably shouldn’t visit. Ever asked yourself WHY or HOW Jamaica got so violent!!!???? Stop being a cheerleader for a system that has screwed over millions. Better yet, pick up a damn book!

[@destytayzo77]

​@MsDesiree39 bro nobody cares for this part of history you know before the white man came on the scene there was no guns nor nukes no cancer no disease. As soon as u come n the scene with your colonialism and insecurities you kill and destroy everything. Your people start and end wars you believe in

[@karl-merrikgray2782]

As a Jamaican who grew up close to the beach, without any restrictions. I can tell you that being able to go to the beach wherever and whenever you wanted was a big deal. And knowing that other Jamaicans no longer have those privileges breaks my heart. We can’t allow this to happen, we have to protect what will eventually become our children’s land.

[@akeem2752]

According to this story in 20 years or will be more commercialized. When building up and out there is no way to reclaim it other than building bigger

[@baileyjohn5010]

Donate to the cause - ONE LOVE JAMAICA BEACH ACCESS DEFENCE FUND

[@user-vg8ez9cu6u]

Too little too late for that now. The country is already in the hands of your common enemy.

[@Tom-sj3vn]

Why don’t Jamaicans drag their government out into the street and force a change? Very confused.

[@rasempress9724]

Chile, mi can memba bk in the day when summer holiday a come, we use to pile eena truck or country bus wid our teachers n drive from the hills of St Andrew go Gunboat, Bucanneer Beach, Boston Beach, Dunns River , as treat fi finish the academic year…all were free….STAKEHOLDERS came into play, n money start decide who could afford fi go dem places..the beaches in the Kingston area got scant attention so dem run dung…and please, nobody seh is we mash up di place…if there is no upkeep via use of the public coffers, as is done in areas frequented by tourists, well, infrastructure deteriorates….n the ones that Jcans have taken upon demselves to maintain, when the tourists find them n join in, here come those STAKEHOLDERS, wanting to muscle in n push out the locals..big up to those ladies who fought n won the legal battle to retain that certain beach…the latest target is Bob Marley beach , known as weh dem Ras been hanging out since mi yeye deh a mi knee…Bunny house weh build from wen, still deh deh….den u ha di rafting..as a teen mi use fi go pon church trip rafting..bk in the day, man n man lash bamboo togedda n use a lone pole fi steer dung di river..mek dem livity..now, STAKEHOLDERS want fi tek dat ovah….fi decades ganja farmers been facing criminal charges fi growing di weed..now it legalise n the process is such dat STAKEHOLDERS seem to b the ongle ones having easy access…we even a IMPORT weed from Canada n Crown Land a yaad in abundance dat could b used fi grow weed fi di enterprises a yaad weh seh dem need it fi pharmaceutical purposes…importing weed wen we already have a NEGATIVE BALANCE OF TRADE….but den, getting an export licence fi try do ur bit fi bring balance to said trade is a nerve wracking experience n not fi di feint of heart..unless u ha access..wink…n for those who think they r retiring to the ‘haven’ of their parents’ memories, u r in for a rude awakening..the comraderie n familiarity of the old village etc is all but gone…..as incommers with foreign currency pensions, wellll….big houses abound across the island…however, decorative bars r still just bars, installed more n more to keep intruders out, than adding aesthetics to ur structure…family setting up family rivalling stranger danger…women n children r being targetted…sounds negative, well the daily reports of serious crimes r there for all to hear n see….added to this, at retirement age, one of my pressing needs is access to good health care n more importantly, surviving the trip to the facilities that provide said….mi love mi Island home, but after the stress of mekking it a farrin, mi final years shudden entail stressing ovah survivng in Ja…as a yute, we use fi fraid a duppy..now, mi know mi wudda preffah buck up a duppy dan a human ….

[@mowtivatedmechanic1172]

I’ve been to Jamacia several times. Hope to move there one day. The people are just beautiful, inside and out. So friendly and inviting. Just a good bunch of people.

[@timothymercer849]

I am looking to move there and want to build a retirement home and bed and breakfast.

[@PeterEnis1510]

All the luck to those beautiful Jamaican people, they deserve much better!!

[@ZzXZ636]

They tried this in US Florida . We were able to block it thankfully . Who are these predator elitist people who think they can take Gods beach from the people ? Love and prayers ❤from USA. Stand strong 🇯🇲

[@blacklov66]

Lol Gods beach false it's ours my peoples see that's the problem trying to steal and take everything that's not there's lol this land is ours js

[@caramelking-zf8wu]

J@maicans We@k. - S@mbo Logic.

[@Youngcarter354]

That wouldn’t fly in a U.S. states anyway only small countries like Jamaica Haiti Cuba etc get taken advantage of

[@batissta44]

​​​​@@Youngcarter354this video said that in other Caribbean island countries like Barbados and Aruba, all beaches are considered public property, so this has nothing to do with being a small country.

[@Hengel_Andrews]

@@batissta44okay, but Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica as stated are countries that have their beaches taken away

[@ElizeNicole101]

I'm so GLAD this is being addressed.

[@7996hobguy]

Thank you for your virtue signaling. But once violent crime surges against tourists, tourism will plummet. Along with the 4 billion dollars it brings to the country. Which is a lot for a country with only a 14 billion dollar GDP.

[@hunterbidensvaxmandates]

They killin travelers the gov there dont trust their own people

[@hunterbidensvaxmandates]

@@7996hobguytypical liberal logic

[@ElizeNicole101]

First and foremost I am not addressing the crime in JA, that's a completely different issue. And virtue signaling? Imagine having access to a beach and then out of nowhere a big hotel buys up that area making it inaccessible to the locals. Ochi is a high tourist area, yes, but there needs to be beach areas designated as no go for development so the locals can still go about their business and enjoy the land they were born on. If you keep taking the little that's left, they are making access harder for those who live in that area.

[@7996hobguy]

@@ElizeNicole101 Perhaps addressing, or at least acknowledging the crime in Jamaica is important in this context. Resorts have to have armed security to keep the tourists safe. Maybe Jamaica should do something that has a meaningful impact to violent crime for both it's residents and tourists. I'm sure it would be a lot easier to open up these high dollar areas to all. Until then, Jamaica will protect its bread and butter. As all governments do.

[@biulaimh3097]

It begs the question, why is Jamaica still in the British commonwealth?

[@Seabass1206]

you think “the commonwealth” is still a thing? its symbolic nothing else same here in Canada, these guys blame “colonialism” but without these tourists coming on vacation the country would crumble, the biggest industry is tourism

[@thebookwormhotel5336]

so is Canada

[@biulaimh3097]

@@thebookwormhotel5336 That doesn`t answer the question, it raises another.

[@thebookwormhotel5336]

@@biulaimh3097 it's like EU, so the countries in the commonwealth give money to a pool that is used to improve poorer countries in the commonwealth, in return less taxes on goods sold in the commonwealth it's just a financial thing rn :> I did a little research, I'm not in the commonwealth so I might have missed some things but ya that's the gist of it

[@biulaimh3097]

@@thebookwormhotel5336 Well I guess it`s a junket excuse for the leaders.

[@love808hi]

I lived in Hawaii and the same thing is starting. Oahu Hawaii used to look like an Island but now the rich is buying up places and building resorts. They are making a lot of money thru these Cruises and tourist. I applaud the fight. Ppl from the Mainland are buying up all the houses and renting them out at ridiculously high prices.Thosands of Locals have left the Island every year because they can't afford to live there anymore. It's sad

[@lekesiaknight7495]

Thank god this isn’t happening in barbados. The government of Jamaica should be ashamed of themselves. This is absolutely ridiculous and heartbreaking.

[@Djr2699]

Shouldn’t be happening anywhere

[@DCampusano1]

All in the name of tourism.

[@deniseeugene1852]

It’s China lol . They are buying up the island and the people get nothing. Jamaica is huge compared to other islands. It was very impoverished when I was there twenty years ago,

[@kennybrown5914]

Your prime minister is fish

[@lekesiaknight7495]

@@kennybrown5914 and who gives a f#%k? Clearly miserable u.

[@berylmorgan8482]

I stand with my fellow Jamaicans to gain access to all the beaches on the Island!

[@zumaanandrade3961]

Do what we used to do before. Bun I dung🔥

[@anngore3842]

@berylmorgan8482. Look at what the UIC jamaica has to say and support the cause.

[@fiyahwayne495]

All beaches

[@Tuck-hw9oz]

agreed 🇨🇦🤝🏻🇯🇲

[@winstynglyn6893]

My parents are Jamaican and I live in the UK. I have been telling my friends and family that these politicians are selling out their country to foreigners and that the locals will be pushed inwards into their island. I also mentioned that all the beach areas will be built up with explosives houses and apartments and that the locals will end up as strangers in their own island. Now you are seeing the very same thing happening right in front of your very eyes and it is a crying shame. May God help Jamaica.

[@sauronthegreat5799]

When I was in Jamaica several years ago, I took a taxi from Falmouth to montego bay. Along the way, the taxi driver pointed out a small beach that the local Jamaicans use to swim. The rest of he other beaches were all private properties owned by the international resorts. The beaches are only open to people who stay on the resorts.

[@yashtiwari117]

Unbelievable! People have the #1 right to a Country’s properties - not corporations.

[@InconvenientTruth50]

My family is from a small island (Anguilla) and the hotels and the foreign millionaires who own homes on the island have tried this but the people pushed back and the government listened. Some still try but the beach is for everyone not a select few. Good luck Jamaicans with your fight.

[@icetrip2417]

Wonderful ❤

[@SHADOWNINE79]

👍🏽

[@chrisbennett6260]

well done much respect ,glad to hear it

[@wattakesselly6463]

Yes!! I

[@Cosmocomely]

No way my moms fam is from Anguilla too

[@danielleelcock1532]

I'm from Barbados & yes all of our beaches are public but it's sad & unfortunate that my fellow Jamaican brothers & sisters have to go through this ..... JAMAICA fight for justice & equality 🙌

[@theinternetsavedmylife]

The Barbados is a richer country than Jamaica in case you haven't noticed. That means government gets enough revenue to afford to pay for free stuff for its citizens

[@tashahall1855]

I’ve been to Bridgetown and noticed the beaches are free.

[@beach_boy1141]

@@user-yx4ok7oe6d What’s the point of your comment?

[@Lmksome]

@@user-yx4ok7oe6dthey all cool stop that ‼️ you tripped out ‼️ Rihanna from Barbados she loves Jamaica fool ‼️ 🤡

[@zjones5042]

​@@user-yx4ok7oe6d You, however, are a weird "Black".

[@waynehazle]

This is EXACTLY what I needed. Thank you and it infuriates me

[@DeborahKraft-hf9kv]

As a native Black American, this breaks my heart. I'm standing with the Jamaican people in this fight. Praying justice prevails!!

[@membersonly7845]

Prayers are welcomed. Action is needed.

[@sxt4447]

We have the same problem in Puerto Rico. This past January, my family and I had to sneak into the “private lot” of a luxury hotel to go to a beach my mom had been to as a child and it was filthy because the staff hadn’t cleaned it. We need to take back our islands across the Caribbean!

[@Zachboy007]

While I liked Jamaica, my biggest complaint probably had to be that establishments weren't restrictive enough. Too many pushy vendors! One of them even had the nerve to tell me, after I told him I was in a hurry, that you are never in a hurry on vacation.

[@Zoulstorm]

@Zachboy007 Shut up dude

[@khalilmitchell1929]

White people love to take over shii

[@TheloniousJackson]

@@Zachboy007you’re absolutely right

[@luchettepender6038]

My dad and two older siblings were born in Jamaica. Their greatest memories were made at the beach. These corporations go to our Islands, and take as much as they can from us, just to make money. They show the beauty of the resorts, but not the suffering of the local people.

[@jenniferlenny9107]

well said

[@Zachboy007]

While I liked Jamaica, my biggest complaint probably had to be that establishments weren't restrictive enough. Too many pushy vendors! One of them even had the nerve to tell me, after I told him I was in a hurry, that you are never in a hurry on vacation.

[@andyukh1625]

This makes me so mad, it’s a disgrace……… I’m coming to Jamaica in July 2024 to Negril for the first time, and I never knew about this ! THIS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED PERIOD………… people have the right to work earn a living, provide for their families! Jamaican land for all Jamaican people not just for tourism ……..

[@CJ-simeonxsick]

Same I’m going to Jamaica in July as well for my birthday and as a fellow Caribbean I’ve been trying to do my research

[@ryang9825]

Never seen such aggressive panhandling in Jamaica with the exception of Cartagena, Colombia. Will definitely not return.

[@StockyDude]

This is a problem in Hawaii too. The resorts are legally obligated to provide a small public walkway leading to the beach but the resorts built up their facilities in such a way that parking is far from the walkway. And in Hawaii, the beach is like a cultural sanctuary. Hawaiians arrived on the beach, lived off the fish they caught at the beach, and learned to surf and swim at the beach. The beach acted as their public square forum.

[@Xavierhanacki]

Shame

[@videocee]

Imagine taking the power of Maui from Maui. Very shameful and a slap in the face to their ancestors.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

same here in Florida.. and don't forget you have to pay to park, per hour.

[@inlivingcolor...abroad6099]

Same thing for certain beaches in Costa Rica. Legally, every beach is public, but properties put up so many barriers to get to said beach

[@buscandolaverdad6888]

It was happening her in Mexico too, in our constitution said that from the ocean 20 meters inland no want can can own that land, is for all Mexicans. So the president 2 years ago make that a reality for all of us, thanks to him, we have most of our beach back from the resorts and private developers.

[@biggeststeppa1]

As someone who's lived through 6 years of apartheid, this feels a lot like apartheid South Africa, but instead of it being black vs white it's tourists vs locals. Sending love and well wishes to our Jamaican brothers and sisters, fight for your land. What good is a growing GDP and prosperous tourism sector if the locals get nothing from it?

[@manovrsb]

Thing is many jamaicans prefer private beaches because they're more cleaner and safer than the public ones.

[@davina1961]

YOU KNOW IT BREDREN

[@slimpickens01]

​@@manovrsbnot necessarily there are some local beaches that are absolutely perfect and some where hidden gems until Karen found them.

[@kimberlyp403]

I think it's those companies who own those resort properties vs the locals...not the tourists

[@dalewills4529]

It’s not tourist vs locals, all has to do with the Jamaican government and they being paid off… corruption at its best.

[@daqueen2978]

😢 this is so hurtful we all deserve the same respect 💔😭 y'all deserve it first 🥇 Jamaicans❤

[@rashedali6291]

This is heartbreaking 😢 this world needs an uplifting ❤

[@summaz_]

If your planning on staying in Jamaica please support the local vendors, if you are so touched by this video you can go the extra mile by renting or staying at a local small hotel (mostly found in St Andrew and St Mary) or finally supporting a local resort, eg. Sandals,Beaches and SuperClubs

[@everydayfitnessworkoutsfoo3232]

but are they safe though? lets be real. im from london of Grenadian descendants. I am not a coconut either trust me on that but we hear about the stories of people getting robbed etc but I also hear how beautiful Jamaica is. I myself want to go Jamaica and when i do I will be staying in a safe hotel not one where i could get robbed or killed

[@urbanflight820]

@@everydayfitnessworkoutsfoo3232 Please check your language. Coconuts to describe Caribbean people can be considered offensive. Also, anyone who's traveled outside of their country knows there are unsafe places in virtually many cities or countries of the world, including London. Lastly, it is quite shameful to turn your nose up to Caribbean people, when you claim that is from whom you descend.

[@MichaelCorleone562]

​@@everydayfitnessworkoutsfoo3232If you're that shook, then don't go 😅. Belizean who visited from LA. I concur with the OP. Did our research and stayed at Charela Inn in Negril. Jamaican owned and operated. Furniture manufactured locally. Best spot on 7 mile beach. Also checked out the local crafts market down the road to support real Jamaicans. No souvenirs made in China 😊

[@BG-wm2tw]

Unfortunately Jamaica is not safe at all.

[@katmagical]

I felt safe. Most of the Airbnbs are owned by Jamaicans that moved foreign. Their family on the island run it. It's definitely safe but don't do anything stupid and disrespectful.

[@cayarudegal]

This happened to us when my husband a Mexican native and myself, a Mexican American, Went to fish in a town between Rosarito and Ensenada and this lady walks up, unable to speak in Spanish and told us sorry sweety this is private property…. We were so disgusted but we just looked at her and walked away not wanting to have any trouble since it would’ve been useless. We had a discussion for sure but we do need to see how we can help prevent more beaches and land being sold because it’s really legally stealing

[@franciscovelasco7550]

I know you guys will never meet this lady again. But I really think you should know that that woman had no right to actually say that. Legally under federal law all beaches are public property and cannot be privatized. In fact I think you should probably report that woman to the police because that's illegal. The next time you guys Walk there and and you see her tell that woman that she can't say that she has no right to say that.

[@iriswilmink8229]

"sorry sweety" P U K E them nasty shapeshifting satanists do wicked evil shit worldwide

[@meep2253]

@@franciscovelasco7550they will bribe the police municipal to kick you out

[@johnshaft3985]

You're still Mexican dummy,it doesn't matter if you were born in that hell hole or not.. 😂

[@resistancelucayanmayo]

Yeah it's just land snatching the original people keep being pushed out from there own land the true original indigenous people screw these damn tyrants

[@sauronthegreat5799]

So folks, if you're on the beach in Jamaica and a local merchant walks by, please buy something from them. They're trying hard to work and make a living. They're not trying to steal from you.

[@amindedphone]

They tried this in Barbados in the 80's.Bajans protested and marched until they got access.The few who refused to give access soon realised that the bajan access was through their hotels.Jamaican this is your home.They brought you from mother Africa and drop you there.Stand up for your rights.I know someday you shall overcome.

[@mrasclepio]

In Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 we are protesting to keep our beaches public. #lasplayassondelpueblo.

[@marthaannrichardson]

You should be protesting for colonizers to leave.

[@mrasclepio]

@@marthaannrichardson The people who are privatizing our beaches are the colonizers.

[@jeancadet5862]

is not the same man you free you can go to main land usa we can't mann

[@lafemme0011]

@@jeancadet5862Only ignorance makes you think that. Not every puertorican wants to be in the USA we’re not free like you think, read a little bit of our history and then come back to me.

[@kathym8453]

Why do we native people say things like this to one another? You're so busy thinking that your situation is so exceptional that you don't see the common thread of oppression shared by other groups. It's difficult to build a coalition of allies when you talk like this. It diminishes support for your cause. And why do you think all Puerto Rican s want to abandon their homeland and move to mainland USA?​@@jeancadet5862

[@kevincrain7499]

I did a little research before i went to Montego Bay in Jamaica . I brought a lot of American goods with me for trading knowing the locals love getting hard to get items that they do not get to enjoy often. When i arrived one of the 1st things i was told is not to mingle with the locals, but that's exactly what i intended to do. I made friends with every local that approached me. They had fresh fruit brought to my beach front back door every morning. When i got sun burn they brought me fresh aloe , peeled it , and rubbed it all over my burnt body. A local fisherman took me on a boat ride over to his village and showed me around how the Jamaicans live. Locals took me on a free diving adventure that i won't ever forget for the rest of my life. They brought me food, sang me songs, they told me wild stories, and they made me feel like i was part of their family, and they got me really high. It was the best experience of my life. I would like to go back one day. Sad to hear these wonderful people cannot access their own beaches. They were all super friendly , and i showed gratitude by giving them goods, and money.

[@teatime635]

White people are so EVIL 😈 and always will be 😢.

[@kevinjohnson3521]

That is why they did it… for the money! should they not approach the politicians instead of resort owners!

[@dayshonsmith1485]

Unfortunately, it’s a business… the way businesses are ran and taught are to eliminate as many threats to them making money as possible… A local can threaten that. So they try to keep you away from them, and bann them access to you. And this is not just Jamaica. This is a lot of places…. Unfortunately, this is so disappointing… freaking people are messed up. When it comes to money people get really really possessive, bent out of shape, and evil

[@mannybudhu3905]

You forgot to go in the rougher neighborhoods....you won't get the red carpet treatment.

[@unabashed]

Every time I went to Jamaica, I did pretty much the same. I never listen to the resort warnings. As a woman, I definitely had to be more careful when it was just me and a girlfriend, but we still had fun and were never threatened. Years later, I ended up going to a different part of Jamaica where the resort was next to a public beach and they also allowed locals to come to the resort for a full day once a week for a discount price to get a ton of buffet food and enjoy the activities and entertainment, and those were the best days because they brought so much life and humor to the place. This was Breezes in Runaway Bay.

[@MsSandyblair]

I'm from the UK, and have friends who come from Barbados, so I've been there a few times now. I have spoken with the locals, and they told me that, all the hotels on the island must give them access to the beaches( the people put their foot down, and marched until the government agreed to give them access, and when a hotel said didn't build an access path, the locals just walked through the hotel). So the hotels made a side access, for the local people to use. But for some reason, the hotels in Jamaica, seem to think the beach belongs to them, and only them. I was in Jamaica one year(my parent live there) and I was sitting on the beach,( in Run Away Bay) reading my book, when this man walks up to me and said, I can't sit here, I asked him why? He said this part of the beach, belongs to the hotel, I told the man, the beach was here before the hotel, and it will be here after the hotels gone, I'm not moving, so please leave me to enjoy my cocktail, and my book, he walked off. Not allowing locals to access the beach is wrong, but at the same time, Jamaicans are not standing up and saying, enough is enough. If you can fight each other over political parties, why not use the same energy at the government and force them, to give you access to the beaches like they did in Barbados. Lets start a movement, if you're still having problems, I can come over and help, since I'm a descendant of George William Gordon, you know we like to stand up for peoples rights, its in my blood.😉😁

[@aholness]

I agree with you totally. Stand up and fight never back down I feel sick to my stomach. Shame the government for selling out and not supporting the people

[@fabiantaylor1876]

Keep fighting for Jamaica. Bless up to you all

[@nileshmorar8676]

I visited Mauritius where no Hotels are allowed to deny locals access to the beaches. Jamaicans must fight for access to all beaches

[@themidlandsboora3064]

Same in Aruba.

[@1_therealcreatedjam-ph8pv]

where someone got killed and the case was “famous”

[@angelle_rose]

Same in the seychelles, it's in the law that all locals can access the beaches. I think it's so important that policies are put in stop big resorts blocking access to the beach

[@arggggg6040]

Corrupt goverment sells his country

[@distilledgogilba]

It’s so important. Beaches should never be fenced off, they’re for everyone to enjoy.

[@nyong-an706]

this blows my mind! how can one group of people decide that those who were born on this land don't have the right to go to the beach? honestly so infuriating, I wish all the best to those who are fighting❤

[@jafo4u508]

Money and that is all that rules! Unless the public takes these matters seriously, like Puerto Rico did, nothing will change for the better, just for the worst.

[@dilatedvision7014]

Jamaicans too greedy killing each other and robbing tourists

[@GoldSugarDiamond]

Lol... that's literally how America got established.

[@gfuentes8449]

well native born brits can't choose who does and doesn't come to their country and get free welfare for life so

[@TekkLuthor]

White people

[@sambag.finunu6780]

I’m african and I’m sad about the politicians not taking into consideration all the needs of their communities. Courage to all Jamaicans fighting to have access back to their beaches.

[@jaksap]

If you want to extend rich Jamainan crime culture to resorts, the outcomes would be predictable.

[@Jah-Know]

People of Jamaica rise up and take what's rightfully yours.. Don't ask for it. Take it back ✊🏾🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@staceyshere]

Just went to Antigua and the law there says no one can block off beaches from the locals. As a Jamaican American this hurts my heart so much. Knowing that the beaches my family used to be able to access freely has now been sold to the highest foreign bidder makes me sick to my stomach. The government needs to stop selling out the land and people and do better.

[@lloydfrancis9149]

Yeah that's how we do in the West Indies Antigua St John😂

[@agro-valleyfarm7217]

"The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.” Frederick Douglass. It's the SHEEP/PASSIVIST MENTALITY of the black masses in JA that is the MAJOR problem. They have no problem in turning against each other but find it difficult to come together to address this APARTHEID INJUSTICE.

[@rennynewborn2247]

The

[@michaelknight3270]

I'm Jamaican and Antiguan. Jamaicas leaders need to stop selling out and think longterm. Ownership is key

[@agro-valleyfarm7217]

@@michaelknight3270 Too many of the black people are sleeping and they are not pro-active except when something affects them directly. It's the end result of bad leadership in the country and people being disconnected from the past.

[@timothymercer849]

Glad this is being addressed and when I visit as I do a few times per year, I will not give my money to the big resorts. Island people that cannot access the beach is disrespectful in the highest!

[@gilliancox340]

The colonial era Beach Control Act of 1956 (BCA-1956) is controlled by the Jamaican government not the colonial people that left in 1962. They do not want to remove it because it is easier for them to blame a law that they control and blame others for. How simple is it to throw out the Act of 1956 and put in public free access for all Jamaicans to beaches? It is the Jamaican government and the investors that are taking up the beaches. The Jamaicans should sue the hotels, investors and the government. Then make them take down the walls and give access to each and every beach in Jamaica. It is the Jamaicans' birthright just like it is the Bajans' birthright. "The beach belong to we" Mighty Gabby.

[@godofjamaica8002]

As a Jamaican thanks to AJ for covering this because our government won't listen to us

[@teacherhomieg]

This really sucks. My wife and I were thinking of visiting Jamaica as tourists but know that I know the hotel corporations are building walls to not let the money flow out to the local economy, actual Jamaicans, we will not be going! Shame on Jamaica’s government and their politicians.

[@bclarke1980]

THANK YOU SOO MUCH ❤

[@Rastamightywarrior13]

If you do go (which I highly recommend bc Jamaica is amazing when mingling/living amongst with the locals) I hope you hit up the fisherman and all the amazing vendors around the island 🤙🏾

[@teacherhomieg]

@@Rastamightywarrior13 I was born in Mexico and live near Baja. We are used to vendors on the beach and wouldn’t be a trip without patronizing them. Would be the same in Jamaica. Gotta talk to the hard working locals.

[@ratedr9672]

You should still go, just book a nice Air BnB instead. That way you can support the local economy and also mingle with some of the locals.

[@BenedictewithanE]

Exactly and to be honest when you wanna visit a country the beauty is in meeting the locals,and eating local homemade food not stuck in a resort and eat the same food that you would eat in America or europe 😒

[@dawncumberbatch7062]

No private beaches in Barbados . It is the birthright if the people There must be public access.

[@iam_omb]

Great video 🙏💜

[@Kattywagon29]

I am from the US and have grown up with the concept of private beaches. It wasn't until I decided to move to Costa Rica that I was exposed to the opposite. Once I learned that there is no such thing as a private beach in Costa Rica it made me question how any entity could block people's access to the sea. You can't own the sea, so how can you own access to it? It's wild!

[@PHlophe]

Katty, segregation introduced the concept you were borne into

[@thisisyourtransmission]

The native Americans said the same thing about the land, yet the Europeans did not listen.

[@jdlc903]

​@@thisisyourtransmissionCosta rica is a European colonial settler state like United States

[@wakandaisevil]

Jamaica was stolen from the indigenous people and given to the africans

[@obienator]

I am from the island of Aruba, ALL beaches are accessible to everyone. I would feel sorry for anyone who would try to take our beaches away, they would end up as fish food.

[@LorraineKidd-sd6co]

I’m a Jamaican living in the states and I support you guys, this is a disgrace by Jamaican politicians is allowing this:. Shameful

[@tanguyappollinaire9858]

I’m from Guadeloupe and we do have a law saying that beaches are public places so no one can block the access.. I hope everything will be solved 🙏

[@Edward44509]

This used to happen in Mexico now every beach is open to the public

[@sleverlight]

how did the change happend?

[@Edward44509]

They passed a new law a long time ago but the constitution says that every beach shouldn’t be private and should be open to the public

[@sleverlight]

@@Edward44509 so you need a good government for that hopefully Jamaica gets a good govt

[@bobletter6938]

Andrew Holness stop 🛑 selling out Jamaica 🇯🇲 to foreign investors remember the little people who put u in office. Smh 🤦🏾

[@PHlophe]

Edu, you've got Cancun , gringos only

[@NJ_1315]

They tried privatizing beaches in Barbados 🇧🇧 years ago and the people weren't having it. The government couldn't push that agenda because the people fought against it! Listen to the calypso song JACK by Calypsonian, The Mighty Gabby! 😉

[@horizonsglobalmedia]

"Dah beach is mine. I kin bade any time". From 'Jack'.

[@fullychopfry123]

lets all support this team..facts, we need back our beaches

[@ClevelandNative]

I've been to Jamaica several times and plan on returning in the near future. I am committed to support the local economy by only buying local. The US dollar means so much more to them than it does to the Billionaires that own the resorts. So please, please, please support the local economy. And when you're on the resort, TIP the staff so they can feed their families.

[@Zachboy007]

While I liked Jamaica, my biggest complaint probably had to be that establishments weren't restrictive enough. Too many pushy vendors! One of them even had the nerve to tell me, after I told him I was in a hurry, that you are never in a hurry on vacation.

[@6by6by6]

You are directly responsible for the beaches being closed to the local people by spending your money at that resort.. tips can’t buy your turning a blind eye to that fact.. Typical westerners excuse…”but I tip them” while I’m destroying their lives..

[@ctcole77]

Then you can also tell all the annoying hustlers who are CRAZY RUDE and AGGRESSIVE to stop harassing tourists for dollars. Would you want your kids growing up to be beggars?

[@adripdv]

​​@@ctcole77 you get in a plain go to they home land and wants to dictate how they should behave? You can always holiday in our home land where I am sure there is no beggars, also have you give a thought why they have to beggar, have you imagined that it would be beneficial for everyone if they were allowed to be free in they home land, to exercise they rights, work and get they money with digginity instead of being forced into poverty and become beggars. Colonialists, apartheid-minded people always think they have way more rights than they actually have, disgusting people indeed, they help causing the problem than complaint about when the shet gets on they doorstep.

[@TheloniousJackson]

@@Zachboy007way too many pushy vendors

[@thenotsoemptynestercrafter2148]

This is sad. I want to join the movement. I've been to Jamaica plenty of time and enjoy hanging with the locals as well as spending time on the resort. When I honeymooned their in 2001, we did go off the resort onto the local beach and had a blast. Everyone thought I had married a local. If the money I spend in Jamaica isn't helping the economy, I wont travel there anymore.

[@zillogullu33]

No it isn't helping the people....the people love the visitors but there is a huge barrier in between.

[@klaurcschwackerberg1880]

There actually is a way to help the country , it is to stop being a hypocrite by paying those criminal companies for your vacation, and find a local place to stay and pay the locals , if we all do that than problem solved 100% , don't book the resorts.

[@eileenwatt8283]

2001 you went but you won't travel there any more. It's that over 20 years along. You already have'nt tavel there. P;ease you weren't missed

[@theinternetsavedmylife]

You can choose not to go and not spend you money there. The companies would go bankrupt thanks to people like you. The beaches would be overrun by fishermen who use crude tools to fish for their own subsistence and are prone to adverse weather conditions that could greatly affect whether they eat or not. And they also can't sell to international markets. More people would be poorer but at least they can use the beach. 😂

[@zillogullu33]

@klaurcschwackerberg1880 you would think that could solve the problem ...but you have to understand how big companies operate ....if they can't out compete you they shut down your business by coercion or worse intimidation...especially in a country where corruption reeks.

[@justsaiyan9657]

Thank you for making this video. I think a lot of people at least from my perspective are unaware of such things and it’s not right

[@nataliavolkonsky9496]

Same thing in Cancun. Once I stayed at an Airbnb across from the hotels, but I couldn’t access any of the beaches near by. I found a tiny beach about a mile away full of locals. That was a sad and painful realization that we, tourists, deprive the locals of their own treasures 😢

[@patriciashirley8]

We are sick and tired of this. Free our beaches and people. 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@triple_gem_shining]

They've never been free if you study the history ...

[@JustinYiseverywhere]

Jamaica 🇯🇲 also are skin bleaching in high numbers because of racism

[@lizbethartemis4886]

it is their land. buy yourself waterfront property.

[@patriciashirley8]

@@triple_gem_shining I guess you weren't reading when said free our people and land....I am very aware of that.

[@patriciashirley8]

@@JustinYiseverywhere what does that have to do with the topic at hand??? People bleach all over the world. Due to low self-esteem and societal pressures.

[@BC_Bln]

I applaud the local people's approach! Sue the government, sue the business, and make an effective change! Unlike in Greece, where the government direct people to hate each other. A lot of Greek people just turn to individuals who look like tourists and attack them, regardless of whether they are actually tourists or migrants. Attempt to use anti-tourism as an excuse to be racists.

[@Shay416]

So we shouldn't go to Greece eh... Note taken

[@derekbennett9258]

God be with your campaign !🙏🏿🕊️

[@LamarMorris-te8jm]

They would love to do this in Barbados

[@davida.rodriguez8870]

Keep up the good fight my brothers! We in Puerto Rico are in solidarity with you. Even though for us the beaches are public domain we still need to fight to protect that right because special interest are continuing to fight against that. Much love and respect!

[@patricksimms6484]

Jamaicans have constitutional right to the beach up to the high tide line. The problem is the accesses to the beaches that are being blocked by owners of the adjoining properties.

[@WebsterA]

Be cool if everyone was aware of this. Then hopefully the resorts get boycotted, bankrupted and deserted.

[@MsDesiree39]

They will lose the tourist dollars their economy depends on. Yes, they need to be able to use their Beaches but there are very good reasons they shiuld be kept away from the Hotels

[@nggames1439]

Dumbass tourism finds our country, would you rather be able to go to beach, or have your country build, plus when resorts are built they create an average of 200 jobs which is needed by Jamaicans

[@audemars8819]

Unfortunately Hope and Comments won't stop anything So what has to happen?

[@monas]

Good, now all those beaches will belong to the Jamaican people where they will have free reign to litter, like they littered all the other beaches that they had access to.😂

[@jeanscph3328]

That would be good for Jamica or what?

[@amexemmucentre6595]

All the residents of the community should show up and use the beach as they see fit.

[@Ms.Francis]

All of us as jamaicans though we live abroad ought to help in the fight. This is something that has always bothered me. It is unacceptable. This island is ours we deserve to survive and make a living. Stand up and support ALL THE DIASPORA TOGETHER!!

[@laurafraser4868]

This applies to all "vacation" destinations. Massive all inclusive resorts never benefit the locals and often exclude them from their own natural resources (beaches). There needs to be more focus on this, and travellers should be more aware of where their money is going when they travel.

[@ridge7524]

Agreed.no such thing as a private beach but in all,the people need to co trol their lands there.The beach belongs to them.

[@anelson603]

Don't they employ locals? Doesn't that benefit the country?

[@ann-mariehamilton5366]

I am a Jamaican living in Canada and I have been watching what is going on at home. And as Jamaicans we don't have access to our beaches but the investors abd tourists do. This is disturbing and insidious and evil. The colonial laws of Jamaica need to change to protect us as Jamaica not investors or tourists. While I understand that investment is necessary and tourist can come and enjoy our country we need laws that protect Jamaican especially Jamaicans who are marginalized abd disenfranchised and face discrimination. The leaders of Jamaica need to change the laws to protect us as Jamaicans. The leaders must protect Jamaicans. Again the leaders must protect Jamaicans.

[@JDDevice]

You say all this while so many of our people were celebrating that biracial American girl getting married into the belly of the beast. So many Jamaicans were celebrating, when Britian hasn't made any attempt to apologize for slavery and or pay redress.

[@BG-wm2tw]

@@JDDevicewhat are you talking about? Please explain.

[@tombrabenec1115]

You all will become the laughing stock of the caribbean and perhaps the world. All beaches belong to the people and should never be pawned or sold off. Unfortunately this happened because the people of Jamaica let it happen. When the water level was neck high nobody gave a damm....now when the level has reached passed head high...Im afraid beaches for the avg. jamaican will be unaccessable and will be out of reach!! So sad!!

[@slimpickens01]

Be careful in Canada brethren. There is a correspondent reporter from the African Diaspora News Channel who highlights all the racial inequalities and outright anti-black racism that goes on there. Like recently kids went to school and the marquee read welcome slur word!

[@eileenwatt8283]

Rally! have you been to Portmore. I don't see anyone stopping Jamaicans from going to Hellshire. Of thse people want to fish they should go to the many free fishing beaches in Jamaica. The beaches that the hotels are on were not public beaches to begin with. They were trespassing. How the heck wants to be harrased by vendors when they spend thousands of dollars for vacation. They have many beaches to go fishing but they just want to harass tourists. The hotels cut them off to protect their brand . It's no different than business owneres in any major city prevent vendors from their store fronts. It's business.

[@user-qd1ey6el8j]

Good work Damion, proud of you

[@jenniferslowley4319]

This is beyond a disgrace. I went to Jamaica in 2005 and stayed in a hotel resort. I witnessed a local man swimming close by the separation border styled by the resort apparently to keep non-paying locals out. I watched as this man began to shout the odds to the tourists, of which I was one but I was at a distance and just saw the commotion, about how we should leave his country and grant him to use the sea as he saw fit, ie to swim. Because he was deemed to be too close to us, he was run off by the beach security. I had no idea what was going on until much later. Man, I wish I had known then what I know now. I'm British born with Jamaican parents but felt this man's anger and pain. I am proud of my Jamaican roots and shout it from the mountaintops. The hotels have priced locals out of even visiting them. No one is saying JA does not need tourism. But for goodness sake, treat the locals with dignity, man. The real fun for me was when I left the resort and mixed and blended. Not to patronise or look down at anyone, but to immerse myself in the experience and meet everyday people. What a joy, yet you meet the haves and have nots. This treatment of not allowing locals to use parts of their own damn country is on another scale and it vexes me no end.

[@tonygee5680]

If ur proud of ur Jamaican roots u should’ve have said ur British Jamaican then not saying British born to Jamaican parents,sounds like there’s a line there somewhere 😢😢

[@jenniferslowley4319]

​​​​​​​​​@@tonygee5680Excuse me, but "If" I am a proud Jamaican"? Your interpretation of my words is askew. With me saying I am British born and with it having been my first visit to my homeland, I actually felt my so-called "Britishness" in stark contrast to how the natural born Jamaicans were, and are still, being treated in their own country. And that includes my own family, so I say this without feeling as if I'm stush or better than my fellow Jamaicans. The distinction I make is NOT because I denigrate or separate myself from my Jamalcan-ness, but to demonstrate that being seen as a tourist, my treatment whilst there was so far removed from that received by those who were actually born in JA. Trust me brother, you would be hard pressed to find a more proud Jamaican than me, even though I was born in the UK. Please do not cherry pick and try to demonise my words. I did not choose where I was born, but that doesn't hinder me from being emotive about my true heritage. No one can take that from me, as I cling fiercely to my roots, wherever I stand, and make no apology. With respect, you do not know me.

[@sparker7768]

I had a very similar experience about 3 years ago at a Sandals inJA , but wasn't clear about what was happening at the time.

[@Zachboy007]

While I liked Jamaica, my biggest complaint probably had to be that establishments weren't restrictive enough. Too many pushy vendors! One of them even had the nerve to tell me, after I told him I was in a hurry, that you are never in a hurry on vacation.

[@natillefoxy9881]

This vex my soul, this could NEVER be right, allyuh take it back now now. Bless Jamaica 🇹🇹❤️

[@johnyancey3857]

It’s crazy you can’t access places where you live

[@zanobiaj1019]

So sad. 😢 Big up Jamaica 🇯🇲 Jah bless. 🙌🏽🙏🏽🙌

[@MSSHARIII]

This has been happening for decades in Jamaica. On one occasion out of many, a relative visiting the island (who was a guest staying at a popular hotel) was followed by hotel security and abruptly told to the leave the beach (as they assumed that my relative was a local who had gained access to the beach and not a tourist due to the colour of his skin). After hearing my relative's accent, they left him alone. Needless to say, we were disgusted and flabbergasted by this encounter. To hear that this is still taking place in 2023 is outrageous and must be stopped!

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Heard it's even worse where tourists who venture out will get beaten up and robbed by hotel security pretending to be locals. Then they blame it on the locals even more. This is supported and condoned by the hotels by the way, not like we're talking about rogue security officers.

[@user-jy4np7nw1n]

Fight for your rights my friends and family of Jamaica we in Barbados support you. when Sandals first set up in Barbados they wanted private beaches but our Government wouldn't let them privatised the beach in Barbados that is attached to their property.

[@anthonypaul6788]

There are no private beaches in Barbados. The beach belong to people

[@ktammz]

The government of barbados knows better than that. Bajans would skin up everything.... i feel so bad for Jamaicans, the government too wicked.

[@ChiddyGamer]

This so heartbreaking. I'm from Australia and all of our beaches are public. Recently there was a move to allow the purchase of chunks of beach by businesses and there was huge backlash and it didn't go through.

[@SweetArt360]

Wow, that's absolutely unjust! 😡

[@Bluesidian]

Same thing is happening in Puerto Rico, Gringos are coming in buying up all the shores then trying to block it off from the locals, but we are fighting those bastards tooth and nail.

[@CarlosRodriguez-pt3hq]

Please don't exaggerate.

[@mirie65]

The sooner Jamaica becomes a Republic the better. All those colonial laws can be repealed and put in in the garbage where it belongs. And people need to unite Island wide and fight this inequality. JA needs a new political party, one that will actually have the peoples interests at heart.

[@sharsasuke01]

We don't even need to be a republic to repeal the act.

[@mirie65]

​@@sharsasuke01 then you all need to unite and fight the system and politicians who are slowly but surely, eroding your rights as citizens of Jamaica.

[@empresssk]

I’m trying to find a news video or doc that explains the political state of Jamaica today because I don’t understand how these situations have persisted so long since our independence

[@emj3161]

​@sharsasuke01 It will make no difference. It's the government that sets laws not the crown. The same government is doing this. Why would it change?

[@circusboy90210]

2:12 this mans catches 9 patheric little fish and has the gall to call himself a fisherman.

[@john.a.gonsalves3731]

As a West Indian, heard about this in St Vincent and was told by one hotel we could not sit on the beach in front of the hotel, when we returned back to the Hotel we were staying at, the hotel owner who happen to be the owned by the ex PM of SVG and they were outraged of this claim that was illegal, the beaches belong to the public......a few months later it was shut down, turns out the Hotel was a transshipment point for cocaine.... End that British colonial criminal rule.....

[@danieledgar8301]

As a 🇬🇩 Grenadian i love Jamaica and the Caribbean and west Indian family and we all face or will face the same problem. It's time for us as a people to wake up and unite against the oppressors, only in unity we can accomplish for we are one people

[@richardmurray4605]

I was in Grenada last year, and was so happy that we could walk along Grand Anse beach without any obstacles. It would be disgraceful if gorgeous beaches like BBC and Bathway were blocked for local people. Jamaica needs to reverse this policy of allowing private beaches

[@clarkey876]

The political divide ensures that never happens, it's all politics, and blame game and nothing gets done. Always one side pointing on the next, thing is politicians benefit from it so changes won't take place

[@TheloniousJackson]

That’ll never happen

[@cecilemiller397]

We want 100 percent access. No walls! If the courts don't rule on the people's behalf then it's time for a revolution.

[@empresssk]

Jamaica is overdue for one.

[@jimlinga9976]

😢😢😢 To see how we're still not free breaks my heart.

[@bridgemannette3097]

I hope your country will change the legislation so you can take back your beaches! I want to walk the beaches in Jamacia and see the locals who have lived and contributed all their lives! I want to be able to buy directly from the locals, not marked up crap from hotels! Much love

[@oghensatumah7867]

Some people may not agree but why is it that in every black nation the people don’t have access to what they have? Why do foreigners benefit from their natural resources and the people don’t have access to them. It’s just sad!!!

[@newtongrey4516]

Great question, if you really truly are interested in the answer, it is available read the book by Chancellor Williams: The D Of B Civilization he explains the reason why and provides solutions. If you don't want to read the book there is audio books available. Those people in the video are talking crap, I visited family in that area, stayed in Steer Town an MaMeo beach area. It's there fault why the beaches are foreign owned. They did nothing, they were disorganized and fought against anyone that was trying to organize the beaches from being taken over by corporate greed. So don't be sad, it's the way it is.

[@JayT876]

The best reply is that it is rooted in years of corruption. Right now most corrupt black nations have black leaders that have been selling the land and resources of their countries to foreigners “investors” and taking the tax dollars and pocketing it. In Jamaicas case the politicians gave themselves big raises while essential workers can barely get by. These governments create action plans and 10 year growth and development strategies just to parade them in-front of citizens faces who think they will get their lives changed. In reality it is all just a smoke screen of promises, until it’s election time again. Then the process starts over.

[@ri-no9332]

The government gets paid in dollars, which is higher than their local currency

[@justone5404]

​@@ri-no9332cause most black leaders are puppets

[@skylabx2000]

Corrupt politics

[@dinextadventure]

I noticed many of these clips are of Royalton. This is disgusting because like they said, almost all of the funds brought into the island go back out. I stayed at Royalton White Sands and toured/reviewed their property extensively and did see the vendors in the water and coming through the mangroves. This is sad and upsetting. Makes me feel horrible now. We definitely need to do something.

[@circusboy90210]

tell the truth it's select beaches that are private property and not a public beach . it's ok that the hotels whant to keep the riff raff out, there are other beaches locals can still use.

[@mannsouth100]

That defeat the purpose going to a country and no interacting with the locals.

[@JaquelineBaker12]

In 1993 my first born aged 10 was disturbed by the fact in order to access the beach we had to pay. Coming from the UK were we would regularly visit the beach. He found it confusing, his actual words were “mum, the beach is a natural destination for everyone, it shouldn’t belong to anyone person”. Moving on some years later, we learnt to stop staying in these big resorts. They don’t encourage interaction with the local communities. They actual misinform their guest, about Jamaica locals and the possibilities outside of their high fence walls. This video has heighten my awareness of the injustice. Which explains why tourists get the hard sale. When they go to craft markets and local vendors approach them. I truly hope the campaign produces a positive outcome. I visit twice a year, staying with my parents, AirBnB or boutique hotels..I will be living there permanently in 2024. So look toward to more opening for the entrepreneurial individuals who are trying to make a change.

[@lizabetx483]

Big resorts are greedy but this is high wickedness!

[@myronmitchell1791]

I AGree, The Cruise Ships Also Do This...They Have Their Own Shops Close To The Ports, and they Discourage the Tourists From Venturing Out To Where The Locals Are,,🤔Sheila

[@slimpickens01]

To the uninformed you would believe your in a damn war zone with lawlessness abound. However the informed knows better. Basically white folks pushing a narrative that Jamaicans are dangerous. Rarely do you hear of stories about them targeting tourists. I don't get why WS will choose to vacation in a black nation if they have ws views. It boggles my mind.

[@PHlophe]

Auntie Jackie, so your son is now 40 years of age. a real Papa now. Please ask him to add his voice to this . He could be of good use because as long as white allies empathize but aren't involved we can't fight . after all those resorts accommodate almost exclusively whites

[@vaneitaadams4790]

I understand. I was in Discovery Bay last year, went to the ' public' beach where a guard at the beach gate told me there was a fee for entry. I was shocked. I was also in Acapulco Mexico where I roamed the entire beach. So, what the hell in going on the Jamaica.

[@mushymoshy]

Colonial laws & mental slavery is alive and well in Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@antoniobabb1938]

That is the whole Caribbean as well