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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Natricia Duncan

The battle for access to Jamaica’s billion-dollar beaches

A cliff face with trees and vegetation, and a small lagoon surrounded by rocks, leading out into the ocean
Little Dunn’s River beach in Ocho Rios on Jamacia’s northern coast. Photograph: Destinee Condison/The Guardian

Every year, millions of visitors from across the globe visit Jamaica to enjoy its gorgeous beaches, fuelling a multibillion dollar tourism industry. But, in recent years, its picture-perfect coastlines have become a battleground for access after successive governments privatised its shorelines to support the country’s thriving all-inclusive hotel industry.

The complex row, which has seen protesters clashing with police and campaigners tearing down barriers around privatised properties, is now playing out in the country’s courts. We take a closer look at each side’s case, and what’s at stake.

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