Senate approves Portmore parish bill

The Senate on Friday approved the bill to make Portmore Jamaica’s 15th parish, amid concerns from the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) that the proposed boundary may breach a constitutional provision.

The vote followed a marathon debate and split along party lines, with Government senators in support and Opposition senators rejecting the measure.

The House of Representatives had already passed the bill on February 11, despite a walkout by Opposition members.

There are several more steps before the bill becomes law, including being presented to the governor general for his assent.

Earlier this month, the ECJ formally advised Parliament that the proposed Portmore boundary “may negatively affect the boundaries of a constituency” as stated in the Second Schedule of the Jamaica (Constitution) Order in Council 1962.

The provision states that “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.”

ECJ Chairman Earl Jarrett raised concerns in a February 12 letter, highlighting that the proposed boundary would impact four constituencies —St Catherine South Eastern, St Catherine East Central, St Catherine Southern, and St Catherine South Central— along with 13 electoral divisions and 398 polling divisions currently within St Catherine.

The commission had flagged the issue to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in June 2024.

Despite the concerns, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie did not address the matter before the House vote.

The ECJ's letter to Parliament, which included a copy of the one sent to the ministry, was addressed to Colleen Lowe, the clerk to the Houses. It was copied to Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson, who, along with Dr Aundre Franklin, represents the JLP on the ECJ. Dr Dayton Campbell and Wensworth Skeffery represent the PNP.

Its June 18, 2024 letter to the ministry was sent Permanent Secretary Marsha Henry-Martin.

The ruling Jamaica Labour Party has defended the push for Portmore’s parish status, arguing it reflects the will of residents.

However, the Opposition People's National Party has strongly opposed the move, calling it “political gerrymandering” designed to benefit the ruling party electorally.

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