Portmore’s Parish Controversy: PNP Files Lawsuit Explained. The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) in Jamaica has filed a suit in the Constitutional Court. They aim to strike down the Government’s controversial legislation. This legislation makes Portmore Jamaica’s 15th parish.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Opposition Leader Mark Golding announced a significant legal move. The People’s National Party (PNP) filed a lawsuit in the Constitutional Court. They are seeking to overturn the legislation that grants parish status to Portmore.
Portmore’s Parish Controversy. Portmore is the most populous residential community in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Mr. Golding disclosed this during the Budget Debate for 2025/26 in the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives and the Senate have already passed the bill to make Portmore a parish. But, the government can’t implement the bill until the Governor General signs and seals it.
Additionally, the Government must publish the signed bill in the Jamaica Gazette.
Portmore’s Parish Controversy: Golding said the poorly conceived legislation to make Portmore a parish will tarnish PM Holness’ legacy.
Mr. Golding cautioned Prime Minister Andrew Holness that if the Government enacts this poorly conceived legislation, it will tarnish his legacy.
Portmore’s Parish Controversy. The PNP views the pursuit of this legislation as a serious threat to our democracy. We will resist it by all lawful means.
Golding emphasized that the current governance arrangements for Portmore resulted from a highly collaborative process. It was a democratic initiative driven by the residents of Portmore.
“We believe that the residents of Portmore should have the final say on whether they want to give up their status as a city municipality. Portmore has distinct governance features, including a directly elected mayor and the participation of community stakeholders in council committee meetings,” Golding stated. “A significant change like this should not be imposed on the people by the current government, nor should it be used as a covert tactic to alter electoral boundaries for political gain.”
Opposition Leader Mark Golding
Mr. Golding stated that the Government’s motives for gerrymandering behind this initiative were openly expressed. A former member of the Cabinet publicly shared these motives. To date, the Government has not denied the motives.
Portmore’s Parish Controversy. Golding said the PNP argued strenuously and then voted against the legislation. They did so because the legislated boundaries for the new parish would require the realignment of several constituencies. Plus, the realignment of divisional electoral boundaries.
The settled processes led by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) were not engaged. This is in violation of the Constitution’s requirements, said the Opposition leader.