Mammee Bay

Mammee Bay, a shoreline in St. Ann, Jamaica, is at the center of a legal battle over beach access. Historically, it was a vibrant community space where children played, fishers sold their catch, and vendors sold crafts. However, the area is now facing privatization, with concerns that ceding shorelines to large hotel chains benefits private investors and tourists at the expense of local Jamaicans. This situation is highlighted by ongoing court cases led by campaigners arguing against the government's actions, which they believe restrict access for those who depend on the sea for their livelihoods, leisure, and health. The fight for Mammee Bay represents a broader crisis in Jamaica regarding beach access, where locals feel they are being forced to defend their right to public spaces that have traditionally been part of their heritage and daily life.