Gov’t, Opposition Both Claim Victory from Court Ruling on Portmore Parish Push

Left: Member of Parliament for South St. Catherine, the PNP’s Fitz Jackson; Right: Member of Parliament for East Central St. Catherine, the JLP’s Alando Terrelonge.

The Supreme Court has ordered the government not to proceed with plans to make Portmore Jamaica’s 15th parish until there is full compliance with the Constitution.

The decision has been welcomed by Member of Parliament for South St. Catherine, the People’s National Party’s, PNP, Fitz Jackson.

A lawsuit was filed by the opposition PNP earlier this month to block Portmore from being declared a parish. Mr. Jackson and mayor of Portmore, Leon Thomas, are named as claimants in the lawsuit.

According to the PNP, the legislation is damaging to the country’s democracy. The PNP says the court order is a clear vindication of the party’s position.

The opposition is claiming the Supreme Court’s order as an affirmation of its stance that the governing Jamaica Labour Party’s efforts were a blatant breach of the constitutional process.

It says the legal action was necessary to hold the government accountable after it chose to ignore a letter dated June 18, 2024. The PNP says the letter was sent to parliament by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, advising the government of a constitutional breach.

The opposition says the court’s decision demonstrates the seriousness of the disregard for due process. It’s urging the government to respect the Constitution and adhere to proper procedures in all matters of governance.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for East Central St. Catherine, Alando Terrelonge, has declared Friday’s court ruling a win for the people of Portmore and the government.

MP Terrelonge added that the steps followed by the government has been carried out in full accordance with the Constitution.

Alando Terrelonge, Member of Parliament for East Central St. Catherine.