Negril Chamber of Commerce wants beach maintenance tax

The Negril Chamber of Commerce wants the government to create a beach maintenance tax to help sustain and maintain beaches across the island.

Director of the Negril Chamber, Winthrope Wellington, made the recommendation yesterday at a seminar to discuss environmentally friendly solutions to combat beach erosion in Negril.

While not indicating an amount, Winthorpe said the tax would be charged on a per person basis for using beaches.

He also stated that the Negril Chamber has established an environmental foundation aimed at restoring damaged ecosystems, such as the Long Bay Beach and the Great Morass in Negril, Westmoreland.

He said the foundation will be managed by a board of trustees, comprising local stakeholders.