Senate approves bill to make Portmore Jamaica’s 15th parish

Jamaica is on the brink of officially designating Portmore as its 15th parish, following the Senate’s approval of the Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act 2025 on Friday. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives on February 11, now awaits the Governor-General’s assent to become law. The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leveraged its majority in the Upper House to push the bill through, with all 10 government senators voting in favor while the four opposition senators voted against it.

Constitutional concerns raised by elections authority

The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), the country’s elections authority, warned Parliament earlier this month that the proposed Portmore parish boundary “may negatively” affect a provision of the Constitution.

In a letter dated February 12, 2025—one day after the Government used its majority to pass the bill in the House—ECJ Chairman Earl Jarrett pointed to the Jamaica (Constitution) Order in Council 1962, which states:

“The boundary of a constituency shall not cross the boundary of a parish as delimited by the Counties and Parishes Act or by any law amending or replacing that law.”

The proposed boundary for Portmore has raised questions about whether it may violate this constitutional rule. Despite these concerns, the Senate proceeded with the bill’s approval.

Government touts historic move, PNP cries foul

In the House debate earlier this month, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, highlighted the historical significance of the move. He noted that Jamaica has had 14 parishes since May 1, 1867, and that this is the first time since post-colonial independence that a new parish is being created. “Today, 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,” McKenzie stated. He emphasized that Portmore’s new status will bring increased economic, social, and political opportunities for its residents. Among the bill’s provisions is the official designation of Portmore as a parish, including Hellshire Hills, Goat Island, and the City of Portmore, which will serve as the parish capital. However, the legislation excludes several communities, including Lakes Pen, Quarry Hill, Lime Tree Grove, and Grange Lane—areas that predominantly support the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP). The PNP has strongly opposed the bill, accusing the government of gerrymandering. Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, Peter Bunting, called the move unconstitutional and vowed that the PNP will challenge it in court. “The people of Portmore are being denied their right to directly elect their mayor,” Bunting argued, suggesting that the exclusion of certain communities was a calculated move to benefit the JLP. Senator Lambert Brown’s proposal to reinstate the excluded areas was dismissed by the Government. With Senate approval now secured, Portmore’s transition to parish status is nearly complete. The bill only requires formal assent from the Governor-General to become law, marking a new chapter in Jamaica’s local governance.