The Portmore City Municipality has strongly condemned disorderly and disruptive actions at a community meeting last evening convened to discuss the government’s proposal to grant Portmore parish status.

In a statement this afternoon, Mayor Leon Thomas explained that the meeting was intended to provide residents, including senior citizens and other concerned community members an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on an issue that directly affects them.

He said the discussion was derailed when a group of JLP supporters wearing green shirts, stormed the meeting, aggressively brandishing placards, chanting “Showa Labourite” and attempting to hijack the proceedings.

According to Mayor Thomas, the disruptive behavior caused distress among attendees, particularly elderly citizens.

Mr. Thomas said as the presiding officer, he took immediate steps to restore order, including removing placards from the hands of those who were deliberately creating chaos.

He stated that his sole intention was to de-escalate a volatile situation and ensure that the meeting could proceed peacefully and constructively.

Mr. Thomas said as mayor, he remains committed to upholding democratic engagement and respecting everyone’s right to express their views even in moments of heightened tension.

He has called on MPs Alando Terrelonge and Robert Miller and the leadership of the JLP to denounce the actions and ensure that their supporters respect the democratic right of every citizen to participate in discussions about their own future.

Mayor Thomas told IRIE FM News that the municipality will not be intimidated and will continue to facilitate meaningful discussions on the matter.