The Peoples National Party, PNP has pointed out that it has been vindicated in the legal challenge against the government’s move to establish Portmore as the country’s 15th parish.

This as parish status cannot be conferred until certain constitutional procedures are complied with. 

The PNP had filed a lawsuit against the legislation recently passed by parliament and approved by the Governor General, citing constitutional breaches, among other things.

Last week, the Constitutional Court granted the PNP an interim injunction, telling the legal teams for both political parties to return to court yesterday, to present their arguments for and against   granting Portmore parish status.

At the end of yesterday’s deliberations, Chief Justice Bryan Sykes ruled against the application for an injunction.

He also ruled that the act making Portmore the 15th parish can only come into operation after the completion of the procedure outlined in section 67 of the constitution.

Opposition Spokesman with Responsibility for Matters Concerning Portmore Fitz Jackson said the Supreme Court affirmed what the PNP has always maintained: that the government was attempting to move forward in blatant breach of the constitutional process.

Mr. Jackson said the legal challenge was necessary to hold the government accountable. 

Mr. Jackson said this victory is not just for the PNP but for every Jamaican who believes in justice, accountability, and the sanctity of laws.