HMC poised to get tough on property tax delinquents in Hanover
Published:Monday | October 13, 2025 | 12:05 AMBryan Miller/Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:
With the parish seeing a high-level of non-compliance in property tax payment, the Hanover Municipal Corporation (HMC) will shortly be going on an enforcement drive to collect outstanding monies with a back-up plan to publish the names of the delinquents.
“Commendations are in order for all property owners who have been meeting their property tax obligations, but we have observed that there are several large business operators, including companies and developers, who are in arrears by several millions of dollars,” said Lucea Mayor Sheridan Samuels, while speaking at last Thursday’s monthly meeting of the HMC.
“Please note that we intend to publicise the names of those business operators, companies, developers and large landowners, who have not been paying their property taxes.”
Additionally, Samuels stated businesses and companies that are not property tax compliant will be refused some of the services being offered at the HMC.
“We will work closely with the tax authorities to ensure that you are brought before the court,” warned Samuels, in explaining the no-nonsense stance the HMC will be taking to ensure that those who are in arrears take the steps needed to make them compliant.
While not disclosing the number of individuals, organisations and businesses that are currently in the non-compliant bracket, Samuels pointed out that it has come to the attention of the HMC that several businesses in the parish are operating without the relevant trade licences and, he said, they too will have their names publicised.
“You are being reminded that it is illegal to do business as a trader without the requisite trade licence. If you fail to conform, we will be publishing your names so that the public will know that you are operating illegally,” said Samuels.
He added that, going forward, the HMC will be engaging the Hanover Health Department and the Jamaica Constabulary Force to work alongside the corporation’s team with a view to closing businesses that are currently not operating legally.
“Those who fall under the categories outlined can start looking out as the compliance and enforcement team will be visiting you soon,” said Samuels, in urging those who are non-compliant to have their statuses regularised.
According to Samuels, the HMC needs the outstanding revenue to provide the various services it is obligated to provide to the public.