UDC warns against charging entry fees at Little Dunn’s River amid public access arising from court order

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is warning persons against charging members of the public a fee to enter Little Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

The reminder comes as the UDC says it has moved to comply with a court order granting an injunction that gives the public unrestricted access to the river until a lawsuit over access to the popular recreational area is decided.

READ: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20261002/beach-stays-open-court-grants-injunction-preserving-public-access-little

The order was made in the St Ann’s Bay Parish Court yesterday following an application by lawyers for a group that includes a beach-rights lobby, as well as local residents and business operators at the popular recreational spot.

The group has a pending lawsuit against the UDC, the Government entity that owns Little Dunn’s River, over access to the property.

In a statement today, the UDC, among other things, said that the corporation respects the authority of the court and will comply with the order.

Further, the state agency reminded the public that it does not charge an entry fee to access Little Dunn’s River, adding that any collection of entry fees by unauthorised persons is not sanctioned by the corporation.

“Accordingly, the relevant team has been directed to take the necessary steps to facilitate access to the property in keeping with the terms of the court’s ruling,” said the UDC.

“The corporation wishes to make clear, however, that facilitating access to the property is distinct from the formal operation and management of Little Dunn’s River as a recreational facility seven days per week.”

The UDC noted that while the court order provides for public access to the property seven days a week, the corporation is not at this time in a position to provide day-to-day management, including arrangements for security, lifeguard services, sanitation, maintenance or other amenities ordinarily required for the managed operation of a recreational facility.

The UDC said it has instructed its attorneys to pursue the appropriate legal avenues available to the corporation in relation to the interim ruling, while continuing to comply fully with the order unless and until otherwise directed by the court.

“The UDC recognises the importance of Little Dunn’s River to residents of St Ann and to Jamaicans more broadly and remains committed to establishing an appropriate framework for its safe, orderly and sustainable use,” said the corporation.

“The UDC remains committed to acting responsibly, respecting the judicial process and balancing public access with its obligation to ensure that properties under its management are operated in a safe, orderly and sustainable manner,” it added.

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