Prime Minister Calls for Independent Local Authority for Negril

Negril, Jamaica – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has announced the need for Negril to establish its own local authority to better manage its growing affairs. Addressing members of the Negril business community and other stakeholders on July 12, Mr. Holness highlighted that the resort town has outpaced its current governance structure, leading to significant challenges in infrastructure and administration.

“Negril as a town is growing far beyond its infrastructure; it is also growing far beyond the system set up for local governance. Our system is that the towns are within a parish, and the boundaries determine which local authority has control over the town,” stated Mr. Holness. He emphasized the need for consultations and legislative changes to grant Negril its own Municipality, thereby enabling localized management.

Negril’s rapid expansion has seen it crossing from Westmoreland into Hanover, creating ambiguity in governance. “Based on all the communications I have received, the stakeholders want to do things for themselves in Negril. I know there will be a challenge because of the parish boundaries, but we will have to work that out. Currently, both Westmoreland and Hanover can take ownership, leaving the question as to who really is in charge,” explained Mr. Holness.

The Prime Minister stressed that while similar discussions have occurred in the past, it is now imperative to give Negril its own Municipality. He compared Negril’s situation to that of Portmore, which faced similar challenges before managing its own affairs. “I know when we talk about this, especially for those who don’t live in Negril, there are indeed questions as to why we would want to do this and upset the governance architecture that currently exists,” he acknowledged.

“Where the problem lies is where the solution should be. If the proper structure is put in place, I am convinced you could see an improvement in how the town is managed. Negril is going through what Portmore went through…to manage its own affairs. Any superior authority should empower the residents to do things for themselves. Negril has also outgrown not only its physical infrastructure but its management structure,” Mr. Holness further noted.

Renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant tourism industry, Negril has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, further emphasizing the urgency for an updated and local authority to sustain its development trajectory.

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