Forty residents of Clarendon are now proud property owners, having been presented with land titles to the Havana Heights Housing Scheme Phase 3 by the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing.

The certificates of title were handed over yesterday (December 17) by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, and Minister with responsibility for Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy, during a ceremony held at the Havana Heights Community Centre.

Mrs. Simpson Miller congratulated the residents, noting the receipt of a title to their own property is a significant milestone in their lives.

She said the Government recognises that ownership of land is a crucial step in reducing poverty, and to that end, over 46,000 persons will be provided with certificates by the Ministry.

“Land titles provide people with security of tenure, and when you feel secure, you can better plan your life and your family situation is more stable,” the Prime Minister said.

She contended that property ownership also contributes to community development as “people, who own the land on which they live, have a greater stake in their communities. Ownership is vital for building wholesome communities, and for giving Jamaicans as feeling of responsibility for their communities.”

Mrs. Simpson Miller used the occasion to encourage the residents to meet their property tax obligations, which go towards providing critical services such as street lights and garbage collection.

“Now that you are official titled landowners, those of you who have not been paying your property taxes, please do so. Pay your property tax for the betterment of your community. You are receiving power to change your lives for the better,” she said.

The Prime Minister also urged the residents to make their communities safe, especially for children and other vulnerable persons.

Minister Guy also commended the residents and urged them to build safe and stable communities.

By Garfield Angus