In a bold move, St. Catherine South’s Member of Parliament, Fitz Jackson, has announced his intention to take legal action against the government, alleging unfair adjustments to constituency boundaries in Portmore. The crux of Jackson’s argument revolves around the term “gerrymandering,” which he employs to describe the government’s proposal to relocate boundaries and establish Portmore as the 15th parish. Jackson asserts that such a move would have severe negative impacts on the representational aspect for residents in the affected area. He deems this issue a serious matter, a sentiment echoed by his political party, the People’s National Party (PNP). In a letter released on Wednesday, the PNP detailed their concerns and objections to Prime Minister Holness, emphasizing the potential drawbacks of this boundary adjustment and highlighting the democratic gains made in Jamaica since the 1980s.
According to Jackson, the government’s motivation behind the proposed boundary changes is not rooted in a thorough consideration of the matter, as he accuses Prime Minister Holness of overlooking the downsides outlined in the PNP’s letter. Holness, in response, suggested that Jackson’s opposition to the move stems from a fear of losing votes. Jackson promptly dismissed this claim, instead attributing the government’s agenda to the statements made by St. Catherine South Western Member of Parliament, Everald Warmington. The government, as of now, has not provided a favorable response to Jackson’s allegations and the concerns raised by the PNP. The looming threat of legal action hangs in the air as Jackson remains steadfast in his determination to challenge what he perceives as gerrymandering by the government. This development underscores the growing tension and disagreement surrounding the proposed boundary changes in Portmore, setting the stage for a potential legal battle between Fitz Jackson and the government. As the situation unfolds, the nation watches closely to see how this political dispute will impact the democratic landscape in Jamaica.
Reporter: Trishagaye Kelly
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