The Jamaican government has handed over land titles to the Rastafari community in St James, marking a key step in ongoing efforts to address the 1963 Coral Gardens incident.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Horace Chang, presented the titles on April 3 to the Rastafari Coral Gardens Benevolent Society (RCGBS) during a commemorative event held on the lands in Albion.

The transfer grants full legal ownership of the properties to the group, allowing members to occupy, manage and develop the land. Officials say the space is intended to support Rastafari elders and provide a setting aligned with the community’s cultural and social needs.

“This is a step forward. We’re not forgetting history… we’re not rewriting the history. Indeed, we have to know history… but move on as well and build on it to another level. That’s what we’re doing… by providing these [land titles],” Chang said.

He praised the group’s leadership for maintaining the push for justice over the years, highlighting the contributions of community figures including Lewis Brown, also known as Ras Brown, and Pamela Rowe-Williams, known as Sistha Nanny.

Culture Minister Olivia Grange said the handover reflects continued efforts by the government to respond to the needs of the Rastafari community.

She noted that more than JA$130 million has already been paid into a trust fund for survivors, with an additional JA$12 million recently added. Financial support has also been provided for a home for Rastafari elders while plans for a permanent facility are developed.

“So, I want to say… that, finally, the land titles were transferred in the name of the RCGBS, and it is our pleasure to do the handover,” Grange said.

The land transfer is part of a broader reparations programme that began in 2017, when Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a formal apology for the Coral Gardens incident and committed to measures aimed at redress.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Lewis Brown reflected on years of advocacy following the events, from survivors sharing their experiences to the establishment of the benevolent society and engagement with government officials.

While welcoming the progress, he said the push for justice is ongoing and called for continued unity in advancing the interests of future generations of Rastafarians.