Montego Bay and St Ann’s Bay Mayors Back Public Beach Access

Montego Bay, St James, 23 June 2026

The mayors of Montego Bay and St Ann’s Bay have restated their commitment to keeping beaches in their towns open to the public. They argue that open access and proper management can go hand in hand.

Both mayors welcomed recent statements in Parliament by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, which reaffirmed the Government’s support for public beach access and its plans to create more public beaches.

Montego Bay’s waterfront

Councillor Richard Vernon, Mayor of Montego Bay and chairman of the St James Municipal Corporation, pointed out that the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is responsible for developing the city’s waterfront and managing its beaches. He singled out Harmony Beach Park, which he described as the largest and most scenic facility of its type in the English-speaking Caribbean.

The municipal corporation has recently handed Old Hospital Park, home to One Man Beach, back to the UDC so it can be improved. Doctor’s Cave Beach remains a leading attraction, and upgrades to the Sunset and Dead-end beaches are close to completion, with public access kept in place. Mr Vernon made the point that beaches “have to be created and managed” where nature has not provided them.

Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay

In St Ann, Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Councillor Michael Belnavis highlighted the UDC Beach near Ocean Plaza in Ocho Rios, where a small fee keeps the facility open to everyone. The municipality has also proposed taking over responsibility for Little Dunn’s River and adding facilities there. Flavour Beach in Runaway Bay offers another public option in the parish.

The two mayors described public access and sound management as complementary. In their view, both support coastal resilience and the long-term health of the tourism sector.

What it means for residents and property owners

For families living in and around the two resort towns, dependable access to well-kept public beaches is part of what makes a neighbourhood attractive. It can also shape where people choose to rent or buy.

Owners and buyers of coastal land should expect continued attention to how beachfront developments handle public access. They should check any access arrangements or restrictions before committing to a purchase near the shoreline.

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