Protest against steep land tax bills gathers steam

More Sandford St Philip residents are throwing their support behind a protest movement to oppose the new land tax rates affecting property owners with two or more acres.

Following an appeal by St Philip North Member of Parliament Dr Sonia Browne last Friday to join the cause, Daniel Holder said he felt compelled to voice his concerns about the increased tax rates.

“Between 2013 and 2023 I would not have paid more than $250 but then for the 2023/2024 year I got a bill for $3 800,” he told Barbados TODAY. “I objected and received assistance from a BRA (Barbados Revenue Authority) representative and was sent a subsequent bill of $100. As a pensioner, I claimed for the 60 per cent discount which brought it down to $40 and since I paid early I got a further 10 per cent discount bringing it down to $36,” he said on Monday.

“But for the 2024/2025 period I received a bill for $950. Given the assistance I received last year, I reached out for assistance again from the representative but was informed of the land reclassification and the change in rates.”

On Tuesday May 21, BRA’s land valuation and assessment officer Charmaine Elcock wrote to the land owner that, “The decision has been made by the Barbados Revenue Authority that effective tax year 2024-25 all properties over two acres within an Agricultural Subdivision should carry an Agricultural Code. The property therefore no longer bears the residential code but still benefits from the Pensioners’ Rebate of 60 per cent off the tax levied. Objections are only allowed every three years, the next period for objections will be tax year 2026-27.”

However, Holder said that he paid $342 in taxes after the 60 per cent pensioner’s discount was applied.

While he admitted that his demand for payment was not as high as his neighbours’, he said he was confused by the “glaring” anomalies and the principle of the tax change.

“The principle of the matter is my concern. Over the last ten years I would have paid $250 the most. I am concerned about how the tax rate could be jumping all about. What will it be next? Is something here at greater play? Why the sudden jump?” he asked.

Since BRA reclassified numerous properties from residential to agricultural use, some landowners have seen tax bill increases as much as 250 per cent. Browne, a former government minister in the current Barbados Labour Party administration, saw her bill move from just over $3 000 to $8 300.

She called on all impacted Barbadians to join in protest.

“I would like to invite anybody in Sandford, throughout St Philip and the rest of the island to reach out to me. I want us to go as a group and demand change. This is the only way I can see that we can affect change. We need to come together as a group and object,” she said.

Another vocal Sandford resident, Peter Bradshaw, has seen his bill jump from $427 to $4 512.

Holder said it was important that people came forward and speak out.

“I am in full support of the protest. I’m concerned for my neighbours and the others this is affecting. Some people fear victimisation but somebody has got to stand up somehow; and I encourage others to voice their concerns.

“The thing is people are being sent these bills and notice is given about the changes prior. What’s also important is that it is not widely known that there is a pensioner’s discount. I only found out about it last year when this matter came up.”

The reclassification rate appears to be affecting homeowners in mainly rural districts throughout the island including Blowers, St James; Frere Pilgrim, Christ Church; and Friendship, St Lucy, Barbados TODAY has learned. (SZB)