Jarrett
Mark Beckford, Gleaner Writer
RESIDENTS OF St. Catherine who have financial difficulties in acquiring registered land titles stand to benefit from a joint initiative among three entities. Jamaica National (JN), JN Small Business Loans (JNSBL), and the Land Administration Management Project (LAMP) have teamed up to assist residents of the parish who have difficulties in acquiring their land titles due to a lack of funds. The programme was the subject of a town meeting at St. Helen's Church on 17 King Street in Linstead last week.
The programme will offer loans through the JNSBL to persons who cannot afford to pay for the costs of acquiring the title. Frank Whylie, general manager of JNSBL, says that the programme is aimed at empowering the residents of St. Catherine. "The title provides security of ownership, security of tenure, equity and collateral which you as an individual can use." He said that the loan would be a maximum of $50,000, which can be repaid over a maximum of 30 weeks.
EASY ACCESS TO LOANS
He also pointed out that the loan is easy to access, as persons would not require enormous collateral to enjoy the loan, as household appliances would suffice. He also pointed out that the loan was more than money, enabling persons to make their titles work for them in improving their lives.
Gloria Brown, land tenure specialist at LAMP, said that the partnership with JN and JNSBL would help to speed up the process for most landowners who have completed the documentation process, but are unable to pay for the land title.
"This (programme) will enable LAMP to complete the processing of titles, without awaiting payment as this will be paid by JNSBL up front."
She also encouraged the residents to go out and access the loan, but she implored them to ensure that the process through which they acquire the registered title was in accordance with the law.
Brown said this was important, as persons often encountered difficulties when applying for a title because they had not followed due process.
INTERESTED IN DEVELOPMENT
General Manager for Jamaica National, Earl Jarrett, also endorsed the programme and said that his company would be continuing the programme when LAMP moves to St. Elizabeth to survey lands, there.
He also said that his company was interested in the development of persons and theprogramme was one way of doing that, as having a land title was an essential investment.
"Jamaica National is pleased to partner with the Land Administration in this project to assist persons regularise their land and get their properties registered in their names."
