RESIDENTS of Negril this week met with their elected representatives to voice their concern about the recent hike in land taxes.

They complained that the Land Valuation Department has now placed a $9-million value on a plot of land that used to be worth $1 million. This had caused the tax to jump from $10,730 to $124,250 per year; while in another case the tax on a one-acre piece of land had increased from $33,000 to $192,00.

The residents appealed to their Member of Parliament Wykeham McNeill and the councillor for the Negril Division, Bertel Moore, to take an in-depth look at the situation, which they claim is unique to Negril.

The tax increase in the area, they contend, ranges from 700% up to 1,100%.

“We are retired fishermen,” said Pauline Pringle. “Our fishing is destroyed as we make way for tourism.”

Her new tax bill is $600,000 a year on an acre of land that is valued at $6 million.

Nehrucaol Singh, owner of the Crystal Waters Resorts, expressed concern about how the valuation was conducted. He argued that it was unfairly done and advised his fellow citizens that they can appeal, on the basis of statuary relief, to the Ministry of Finance.

McNeill promised that he would take the matter to the relevant ministry and department with the view of having representatives meet with the Negril citizens to discuss and possibly implement measures of reducing the land taxes.

Meanwhile, Councillor Moore promised residents that the parish council would set up a tribunal to deal with cases individually. And he urged residents to continue to pay their taxes based on the old valuations, until the matter is clarified.