Portmore does not qualify for parish status

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Portmore, a rapidly growing urban centre in Jamaica, has been the topic of debate regarding its potential designation as a parish. However, when comparing its statistics to those of Kingston and St Andrew, it becomes clear that Portmore does not meet the necessary criteria to justify such a status.

While Portmore has a population of 200,000, which is larger than Kingston’s 90,000, its area of 40 square kilometres is significantly smaller than St Andrew’s 451 square kilometres. This comparison highlights the disproportionate population density of Portmore, which could strain resources and infrastructure if it were to become a parish.

Kingston, despite its smaller size of 25 square kilometres, functions as the capital and cultural hub of Jamaica, with a well-established administrative framework. St Andrew, on the other hand, covers a vast area and supports a population of 573,000, demonstrating its capacity to manage a larger population over a more extensive territory. Portmore’s high population density, at approximately 5,000 people per square kilometre, far exceeds that of Kingston (3,600 people per square kilometre) and St Andrew (1,270 people per square kilometre). This density poses significant challenges for urban planning, resource allocation, and service delivery, which are critical for a parish’s effective governance.

Furthermore, Portmore’s proximity to Kingston and St Andrew allows it to benefit from their existing infrastructure and services. Designating Portmore as a parish would require duplicating administrative systems, which could lead to inefficiencies and increased costs. Given these factors, Portmore’s current status as part of St Catherine is more practical and sustainable, ensuring balanced development and resource management across the region.

CUTEL FRANCIS

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