A protest today (May 19) by angry residents of Discovery Bay St. Ann over access to a beach, has ended due to rainfall, and it’s still not clear if their concerns will be addressed.

The residents are demanding that discussions be held with the relevant authorities, to ensure that they have free access to a beach property in the area.

This morning, over 50 residents gathered near the beach property, to stage a peaceful protest.

Speaking with Irie FM News, one resident Raymond Kirlew says some communities in the parish have free beaches and Discovery Bay needs one too.

A fisherman, Keneal Robinson lamented that the livelihood of fisher folk is under threat, as loss of access to the fishing beach would spell disaster.

And, Chairperson of the Community Development Committee Lee Arbouin is insisting that the persons responsible for the beach have dialogue with them.

Meantime, Member of Parliament for North West St. Ann, Dr. Dayton Campbell visited the scene and listened to the concerns of the residents, one of which is their disagreement with the $1,000.00 fee to access a section of the beach, that is operated by a private company.

Dr. Campbell says residents are disgruntled that other sections of the beach that should be free to the public are allegedly being taken over.

And, the St. Ann police say officers on scene had dialogue with the residents.