In the tumultuous decades of the sixties and seventies, Jamaica’s real estate landscape was marred by a myriad of challenges, prompting a call for transformation. The genesis of change began with the formation of a commission chaired by Sir Herbert Duffus in 1973. Tasked with scrutinizing the real estate industry, the commission uncovered a disturbing reality: scores of individuals had invested in land and homes with scant assurance of ever seeing their investments materialize.
In his interim report of 1976, Sir Duffus articulated a pressing need for legislative intervention to regulate developers and salesmen, citing instances of deceit and incompetence that had led to failed projects and financial losses for investors. This report laid the foundation for subsequent legislative endeavors aimed at rectifying the industry’s shortcomings.
Even prior to the Duffus Commission, efforts were underway to draft legislation to address the burgeoning issues in real estate. Draft bills dating back…
