The Constitutional Court has granted an injunction preventing the government from declaring Portmore the country’s 15th parish.

This came after the People’s National Party (PNP) filed a claim against the legislation that would facilitate parish status, citing constitutional breaches.

The claim was filed after the bill was passed in both houses of parliament and given assent by the Governor General.

In court Thursday, Chief Justice Bryan Sykes granted two orders.

They relate to an interim injunction until the matter is heard and prevention of Local Government Minister Desmond Mckenzie from naming an effective date for the law.

The Attorney General has been given until midday next Wednesday, March 26 to respond.

The PNP has been given until next Thursday, March 27 for any additional filing.

The parties will return to court next week Friday, March 28 at 2 pm

Meantime, The PNP welcomed the court’s decision to grant an interim injunction in the matter.

Member of parliament for South St. Catherine and Spokesperson with responsibility for affairs concerning Portmore Fitz Jackson explains that the orders granted by the Chief Justice, temporarily halt the government’s attempt to enforce the law declaring Portmore a parish and serve to protect the constitutional rights of residents until the court fully hears and rules on the matter.

Mr. Jackson reiterates that this action by the court is an important step in upholding the Constitution and protecting the democratic will of the people of Portmore.

He states that the government’s unilateral effort to impose parish status without proper consultation or consent from the residents is undemocratic, and blatant gerrymandering.

The opposition says it fully supports the residents of Portmore in their plight for inclusion in matters that concern them and is willing to take all legal steps to ensure that their voices are heard.