Squatting is a policy failure of housing and enforcement

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The debate on squatting in Jamaica often focuses on the country’s history of slavery and unequal land ownership. While history provides important context, it does not fully explain why squatting remains widespread today. The more pressing factors are the shortage of affordable housing, a weak rental market, poor land-use planning, and inconsistent enforcement of property rights.

Property ownership and housing security are not the same. People can live securely through renting, leasing, public housing, cooperative arrangements, or family property. The key question is not why so many Jamaicans do not own land, but why so many struggle to access safe, affordable, and lawful housing.

A functioning housing system does not require every household to become a landowner. It requires a sufficient supply of housing across different arrangements. Jamaica’s significant housing deficit highlights this challenge. When people cannot afford to buy homes and lawful alternatives are limited, many turn to informal living arrangements, including squatting.

The persistence of squatting is also a governance issue. Governments have often allowed informal settlements to become entrenched before attempting enforcement, creating humanitarian and political challenges. Delayed action can send the message that long-term illegal occupation may eventually lead to regularisation or political leverage.

Jamaica therefore needs a two-pronged approach. First, it must expand access to affordable housing by encouraging rental development, streamlining approvals, increasing social housing where appropriate, and making more land available for development. Second, it must enforce property rights consistently, lawfully, and humanely. Early intervention is far more effective than waiting until entire communities have been established.

Long-standing settlements should be assessed individually to determine whether regularisation, purchase arrangements, leasing, or relocation is appropriate. At the same time, legitimate property rights should not be undermined by political considerations.

The solution to squatting is neither indiscriminate eviction nor romanticising illegal occupation. It is a balanced policy that expands lawful housing opportunities while protecting property rights. Jamaica’s challenge is not primarily historical; it is the need to build housing systems and institutions capable of meeting present-day realities.

Keenan Falconer