The Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act 2025, which will pave the way to make Portmore the 15^th parish, was tabled in parliament this afternoon.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie tabled the bill.

The tabling follows concerns raised by Opposition Spokesman with special responsibilities for matters relating to Portmore and Member of Parliament for St. Catherine Southern, Fitz Jackson.

In a statement this morning, Mr. Jackson questioned the intent behind the government wanting to create a fifteenth parish.

He accused the Jamaica Labour Party administration of seeking to gerrymander political boundaries in St. Catherine and Portmore.

Mr. Jackson said the move will be resisted even if the Opposition has to challenge it in court.

He added that the opposition will protect the democratic gains of Jamaica and the people of Portmore, in this instance.

According to the memorandum of objects and reasons contained in the bill, it is envisioned that the designation of parish status on the Portmore municipality will strengthen its lobbying capacity.

It is also envisioned that the move would empower its citizens to more independently chart the course of development and facilitate the opportunity to autonomously manage any allocated resources.

If approved, the bill would represent a historic milestone, as it would be the first time that a parish is being established in post-colonial Jamaica.