HMC moves to collect nearly $1 million in rent arrears
Published:Friday | October 17, 2025 | 12:07 AMBryan Miller/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Tenants occupying properties owned by the Hanover Municipal Corporation (HMC) are reportedly behind on their rent, with arrears exceeding $900,000. As a result, the corporation has begun issuing notices demanding payment. Failure to comply will result in eviction and other legal action.
Lucea Mayor Sheridan Samuels, who also chairs the HMC, revealed that not only tenants but other entities owe the HMC millions of dollars – funds the corporation is determined to recover. He expressed disappointment with the delinquent tenants, pointing out that their monthly rent was minimal and should be affordable.
“You are talking about some individuals that are only asked to pay a fee of $5,200,00 per month for the vending space they occupy,” he said. “Some individuals are owing hundreds of thousands of dollars, and that is not fair to those who make an effort to meet their financial obligations to the corporation.
“The work of the HMC is being severely hampered by those tenants who refuse to honour their commitment to the corporation. The HMC will, therefore, be taking very strong action against those who are found to be delinquent,” Samuels told The Gleaner earlier this week.
Samuels said that despite repeated attempts to collect the outstanding amounts, the HMC has encountered resistance, prompting the issuance of formal notices. Tenants have been given 14 days to settle their debts.
“For those who fail to pay up, the notices will be followed promptly by summonses seeking eviction orders through the courts and recovery of all outstanding amounts with interest and cost,” said Samuels.
Samuels noted that tenants have had multiple opportunities over several months to clear their arrears. While some have cooperated, others have consistently failed to pay.
“We at the HMC also have bills to pay and services to provide, ... . We are not harsh or hard. They signed the contracts, they agreed to pay, and now they are not paying,” stated Samuels.
The delinquent tenants occupy various HMC-owned properties, including transport centres and arcades. Many are reportedly running successful businesses and are financially capable of paying their rent.
Samuels took the opportunity to commend those tenants and vendors who consistently meet their obligations.