Jamaica moves on squatting, Ebola readiness and cash declaration rules

The Government is preparing stronger action against illegal occupation of land, while also advancing measures on health security, border declarations, forensic science and support for adolescent mothers, ministers announced this week.

Robert Montague, Minister with responsibility for land titling and settlements, told Parliament during his 2026-2027 Sectoral Debate presentation on Tuesday that persons who move onto Crown lands from June 9 onward will not be eligible for settlement programmes. He said anyone selling Crown lands will face prosecution, and urged Jamaicans to verify land transactions with the National Land Agency before buying property.

Montague said consultations are under way on squatting, adverse possession and land regularisation. He noted that drone and special surveys have already identified existing occupation of Crown lands, including lands reserved for schools, clinics, roads and a historic site. Government is also considering changes to the adverse possession timeline and will meet Members of Parliament about squatting in their constituencies.

A survey loan fund is also planned to help small landholders with two acres or less pay for property surveys. Applications are to move through LAMP, NLA-trained and certified lawyers, or recognised land management service companies, with funds paid directly to surveyors and a caveat lodged so taxpayers can be repaid. Montague said the land titling system is to be digitised, including surveys, to allow e-titles by September next year and support more than 30,000 e-titles annually. A paid property watch feature is also planned.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said Jamaica remains Ebola-free and the national risk is low. He said preparedness has been strengthened at airports, cruise piers and other points of entry, with about 1,100 personnel sensitised. Nine arriving passengers linked to travel through Ebola-affected countries were counselled, placed under mandatory self-quarantine and monitored, with no Ebola-related symptoms reported. Travellers who have visited or transited through affected countries will be quarantined for 21 days.

Finance and Public Service Minister Fayval Williams clarified that travellers may enter Jamaica with up to US$10,000, or the equivalent in another currency, without making a declaration. She said amounts above that threshold must be declared on the Enter Jamaica electronic form, while customs and security agencies may still question funds where there is reasonable suspicion under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

National Security and Peace Minister Dr. Horace Chang said forensic science is increasingly central to justice and security, citing DNA, fingerprints, digital forensics, ballistics, toxicology, forensic pathology and crime-scene reconstruction. He said a new forensic pathology autopsy suite is expected to be commissioned this month to reduce post-mortem waiting times from weeks or months to days.

The Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation also received $4.5 million from proceeds of the 5K Run for Mom to expand support for adolescent mothers. The initiative was organised by the Heart and Vascular Centre and partners, and welcomed by Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange.