House Approves Bill to Grant Parish Status to Portmore
JIS February 14, 2025,
The House of Representatives, on Tuesday (February 11), passed the Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act, 2025, which seeks to grant parish status to the Portmore City Municipality, making it the 15th parish of Jamaica.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, said this is the first time in the history of post-colonial Jamaica that a new parish is being created.
He noted that parishes are the main unit of local government in Jamaica, having been created following the English settlement of the country in 1655.
The Minister informed that there were originally seven parishes, and by early 1867 that number increased to 22, adding that it was reduced by law in 1867 to create 14 parishes.
“Jamaica has had 14 parishes since May 1, 1867. Today, therefore, nearly 158 years later, we are beginning the process of giving formal recognition and further empowerment to the people of the largest community in the Caribbean,” Mr. McKenzie said.
“We are providing, through this Bill tabled in this House, the civic and the practical developmental opportunities that will allow Portmore to achieve this outstanding milestone,” he added.
The Minister further noted that passage of the Bill would increase the economic, social and political opportunities for the people of Portmore.
“This Administration diligently worked to change the total architecture of Jamaica into a fully modern economic, social and political country that our people here and abroad are proud to live in and proud to refer as their own,” he said.
Among the key provisions of the Bill is the official designation of Portmore as a parish, to include Hellshire Hills, Goat Island, and the City of Portmore, which will be the parish capital.
It excludes specific areas, such as Lakes Pen, Grange Lane, Lime Tree Grove, and Quarry Hill from the Parish of Portmore. The legislation also provides for the creation of a map for the parish of Portmore and a description of the city.
In his remarks, Member of Parliament for St. Catherine South Eastern, Robert Miller, in support of the Bill, said with Portmore becoming the 15th parish, it has the capacity to chart its own affairs, while adding that the “people of Portmore deserve quality representation”.
Following its passage in the Lower House, the legislation will now go to the Senate for its approval.
By Latonya Linton
