NEGRIL, Hanover — Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte has reiterated that the Government is seriously considering giving Negril full autonomy over its own affairs — and she has promised to help move the process along.

The parishes of Hanover and Westmoreland share the resort area of Negril as the town centre is located in Westmoreland while the larger hotels are located in Hanover. Malahoo Forte said the Holness Administration has taken note of this and the impact it is having on getting things done, especially at the local level.

“From what I hear, it can be frustrating to move between Savanna-la-Mar and Lucea. I have been wondering — as I know Prime Minister [Andrew] Holness has been wondering, and the Minister of Local Government [and Community Development] Desmond McKenzie] also has been wondering — whether we should look at a new arrangement for Negril,” said Malahoo Forte.

“Can you imagine a municipality for Negril? Can you imagine how easier your life will be and everyone who has to do business?” she continued.

She was speaking during last Saturday night’s Rotary Club of Negril ceremony where Owen James was installed as president for calendar year 2023/2024. The event was held at Royalton Resort in Hanover.

For years there have been calls for Negril to be the master of its own fate. In 2016, then Chamber President Lee Issa spoke of the vital need for the town to be granted municipal status. In 2018, then Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Desmond McKenzie said that while he was open to the idea, Negril was not in a financial position to stand on its own. He also noted that in order for Negril to get municipal status the town would have to be of a “certain size” and it would have to have its own municipal administrative arm, among other factors.

“The prime minister said to me in a very rough tone — and he doesn’t speak to me in a very rough tone most times — that I need to fast-track the discussions on the municipal status of Negril,” McKenzie said then. “But I did say to him that we have to find the formula that is workable, because to do that you would have to prove your worth to be self-sufficient.”

He also noted at the time that Negril would be taking away a sizable chunk of limited revenue currently earned by the Hanover and Westmoreland municipal corporations, such as those derived from trade and motor vehicle licensing, property taxes and building fees.

For now Malahoo Forte, who is from Westmoreland and partly resides in Negril, said she is paying close attention to what is taking place in the resort town. She said from a legislative point of view she is willing to do all she can to assist.

“You can count on me for support and assistance in navigating the Government in helping to rewrite rules that do not make sense; passing new laws that will ensure that everyone stands a better chance,” assured Malahoo Forte.