Coastal Colonialism in Jamaica | Dr. Devon Taylor (JaBBEM)
On this episode, my guest is Dr. Devon Taylor, the President of the Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JaBBEM), an advocacy group founded in 2022 that fights for equitable beach access and environmental justice in Jamaica. He is a Biomedical Research Scientist and environmental and social justice advocate who leads efforts to repeal the colonial-era Beach Control Act of 1956, which he describes as discriminatory and a barrier to public access.
JABBEM uses legal tools, including the Prescription Act of 1882, to establish long-standing community rights to beaches and rivers. The group is currently involved in multiple court cases, including those concerning Bob Marley Beach, Little Dunn’s River, and Flanker/Providence Beach, to secure public access and prevent privatization by luxury resorts like Sandals.
Dr. Taylor emphasizes that beach access is a fundamental human right and reparative justice issue, arguing that Jamaica’s beaches—national treasures—should be accessible to all Jamaicans, not just tourists. He calls for government action to replace outdated laws with modern legislation that ensures constitutional protection for public access and sustainable management of coastal resources.
Show Notes
- The violence and displacement from which JaBBEM emerged
- The Beach Control Act of 1956
- Coastal colonialism / plantation tourism
- Shoreline personhood and the birth of humanity
- The medicinal space of the sea
- Taking the fight to the courts in Jamaica
- Pan-Caribbean solidarity and dilemmas
- Critical mass: advice for guests/tourists
Homework
Transcript
The transcript is available via Chris's Substack page. You can sign up for free and read along here: https://chrischristou.substack.com/
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