KINGSTON, Jamaica — Member of Parliament for St Catherine East Central, Alando Terrelonge, is defending the government’s decision to make Portmore Jamaica’s 15th parish.

Speaking ahead of the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament outside Gordon House on Thursday, Terrelonge dismissed claims of a lack of consultation in the process and described the move as a step toward development and growth for the municipality.

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Terrelonge’s comments are in response to a protest held by several Portmore residents at Emancipation Park in New Kingston on Wednesday. The residents voiced concerns about the government’s decision to pass the legislation without sufficient public consultation, calling for a rollback of the bill.

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A second protest is currently underway on Duke Street in downtown Kingston.

(Photo : Vanassa McKenzie)

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“There are no negatives to Portmore becoming a parish. They cannot give one negative,” said Terrelonge. “All the benefits — when you talk about tax revenues staying in Portmore, improved roads, and infrastructure — are for the growth and development of Portmore. This is truly historic and advantageous for the people of Portmore.”

(Photo : Vanassa McKenzie)

He also refuted claims that Portmore lacks the necessary facilities to function as a parish, citing the presence of key institutions.

“There is a tax office in Portmore, right there by Braeton Parkway, that will be extended. There is also a court in Greater Portmore, which will also be expanded,” said Terrelonge. “So again, propaganda.”

Terrelonge accused the opposition of rejecting the parish status for Portmore out of resistance to progress.

(Photo: Vanassa McKenzie)

“The government led by Andrew Holness has the vision of making Portmore a parish after having extensive conversations with the people. The opposition just doesn’t like development,” he stated.

The Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act 2025 was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. It formalised Portmore’s status as the country’s 15th parish despite opposition from the People’s National Party (PNP), which has accused the government of gerrymandering and threatened court action.

During Wednesday’s protest, a resident identified as Marsh criticised the government’s approach and called for the bill’s reversal.

“If you want to turn Portmore into a parish, we don’t have a problem with that. But you can’t do it like that. This is a democracy,” Marsh said.

(Video : Vanassa McKenzie)