The St. Catherine Municipal Corporation today rejected the amendment to the Counties and Parishes Act 2025, which will make Portmore Jamaica’s 15^th parish.

The councillors voted along party lines, with the 20 People’s National Party councillors voting against the bill and the 17 Jamaica Labour Party councillors supporting it.

Chairman of the Municipal Corporation and Mayor for Spanish Town Norman Scott called for a vote on the Portmore issue at the corporation’s monthly general meeting.

The PNP wants the decision on Portmore parish status to be determined by a referendum.

The bill has been passed by both houses of parliament and is to go to the Governor General for assent.

The issue has been a contentious one with the country’s main political parties putting forth arguments for and against the move.

Mayor Scott reiterated that the Opposition PNP will be heading to court to block the government’s attempt to make port more the next parish.