TRELAWNY, Jamaica — New Falmouth Resorts Limited is facing a $26.3-million property tax bill on more than 260 acres of land in Coopers Pen, Trelawny, amid renewed controversy over the property following a recent demolition exercise.
Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) records show the company has not paid property taxes since 2020, accumulating more than $2 million in penalties. The land is valued at approximately $390 million, with annual property taxes of about $3.4 million.
The company is also listed by the Companies Office of Jamaica as being “in removal” because of outstanding annual returns and is reportedly in the process of being struck from the register.
Efforts to contact shareholder June Reid, daughter of former director and shareholder James Chisholm, were unsuccessful. Chisholm and Company Development Limited is listed as the largest shareholder.
Attorney-at-law Andre Earle said property tax arrears remain attached to the land and can be enforced by the State. Jamaican law allows authorities to pursue legal action, penalties, interest and, in cases of prolonged non-payment, possible forfeiture proceedings.
The tax issue comes as the property remains at the centre of a longstanding dispute involving residents of Coopers Pen. A predawn demolition on August 11 reportedly left about 20 families homeless, reigniting tensions.
New Falmouth Resorts began legal proceedings against occupants in 2007. In 2009, the Supreme Court ordered 99 squatters to leave and awarded damages against them. A 2012 attempt by then Housing Minister Omar Davies to declare the property an “improvement area” to halt evictions was challenged in court.
In 2016, the Court of Appeal ruled against the Government, finding that the Housing Act could not be used to bypass eviction orders or facilitate the acquisition of private land for squatters.
The latest developments have placed renewed focus on the company’s $26.3-million tax liability, its corporate status and the future of the disputed Coopers Pen property.
Mayor Gager Rejects Claims Government Behind Trelawny Eviction Exercise
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