Advertisement, building amnesty to take effect in Hanover

WESTERN BUREAU:

For the next three months, the Hanover Municipal Corporation (HMC) will be putting into effect an advertisement and building amnesty, which will become effective on April 1 and run until June 30.

Mayor of Lucea and Chairman of the HMC, Sheridan Samuels, told The Gleaner that the amnesty was not just an income-earning exercise but was aimed at strengthening compliance, improving community development, and strengthening orderly growth across the parish.

“That amnesty period will represent a valuable opportunity for residents, business operators, property owners, and all involved to regularise their signs, billboards, banners, and building developments, whether small or large, in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations governing planning and municipal administration,” he stated.

While urging individuals or organisations with the existing need to utilise the amnesty period and reap the benefits of the programme, Samuels also noted that in cases where there are issues relating to land ownership with respect to the building aspect of the amnesty, the HMC is willing to hold discussions and give guidance where necessary.

“During the amnesty period, the corporation will facilitate expedited processing of applications, preliminary inspections at no cost, and flexible payment arrangements where necessary,” Samuels emphasised, adding that they were prepared to suspend the initiation of new court proceedings related to those matters.

“These programmes are designed to not only support compliance but also to foster a culture of responsible development and economic growth throughout Hanover,” he argued.

The HMC chairman was very emphatic in pointing out that after the end of the amnesty period at June 30, the corporation would act against all illegal signs and unauthorised construction anywhere within the parish.

“I, therefore, strongly encourage all residents, business operators, and entertainment promoters to take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts by utilising the amnesty period and helping us to build a more orderly, safer, and sustainable parish while also ensuring that their investments are protected and fully compliant with the law,” Samuels said.

With the start of the amnesty period also marking the beginning of the 2026-27 financial year, the HMC chairman reminded land owners to pay their property taxes.

“Those funds help to finance essential services such as public cleansing and garbage collection, sanitation, parks and beautification projects, street lighting, civic ceremonies, disaster preparedness, and other municipal services that benefit every community and household across the parish,” he pointed out.

Samuels expressed appreciation to “the many responsible property owners who have consistently paid their property taxes”,.

He said when property taxes are paid on time, the HMC is better equipped to respond to the needs of the residents of the parish, and to maintain the infrastructure that supports economic growth and social well-being.

Payment of property taxes, he said is not just a legal requirement, but also an investment in the continued progress, safety and prosperity of the parish.

editorial@gleanerjm.com