Mixed Reactions to Portmore Becoming a Parish

Portmore, soon to be named a parish, is one of the largest residential communities in the English speaking Caribbean, with a population of over two hundred thousand people.

In 2003 the city became a municipality, 19 years later the government is seeking to make another change. But there have been mixed reactions to the city becoming Jamaica’s 15th parish.

The Municipality of Portmore is one step closer to obtaining its parish status, this, following a motion passed in the lower house on Tuesday. While some are welcoming of the move, others are concerned about the absence of basic amenities, such as a public hospital.

Road infrastructure to alleviate traffic congestion is also high on the list. But commitments to address these concerns and more were discussed in the joint select committee and parliament. Councillor for the Waterford Division, Findley Douglas sees these commitments as empty promises.