Showdown looms between gov't, opposition over Portmore parish bill

 

With a Bill to make Portmore Jamaica's 15th parish to be tabled Tuesday in Parliament, a showdown is expected between the government and the opposition.

 

On the Order Paper of Parliament is the Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act, 2025 to be tabled.

 

The opposition is vehemently against the government establishing Portmore as a parish without sufficient consultation.

 

It has again accused the government of gerrymandering.

 

In a media statement issued Monday, Shadow Minister with Special Responsibilities for matters relating to Portmore, Fitz Jackson, said he expects that the Bill will be rammed through Parliament, in a similar manner, such as the initial National Identification System Bill and the constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Auditor General.

 

Mr. Jackson claims that the government is solely interested in Portmore becoming a parish to manipulate electoral boundaries and give the ruling Jamaica Labour Party an advantage.

 

He reiterated that the PNP will respond strenuously and forcefully in the Courts and on the streets in protection of Jamaica's democratic achievements against political tribalism over the last 45 years. 

 

"This dastardly act of gerrymandering where political boundaries are manipulated for the advantage of an incumbent government is both backward and retrograde and only serves to reintroduce political tribalism in our country," he argued, adding that this "must be resisted and it will be resisted on all fronts, including our courts". 

 

He maintained that the People's National Party will "fulfill its duty to protect the democratic gains of Jamaica and Portmore in this particular instance".

 

Mr. Jackson is also Member of Parliament for St. Catherine Southern which includes sections of Portmore.