PORTMORE, St Catherine- Member of Parliament for St Catherine East Central Alando Terrelonge is welcoming the Bill tabled in Parliament, which seeks to grant Portmore full parish status, officially making it Jamaica’s 15th parish.

“I have always maintained that for Portmore to achieve its full potential, it must be completely autonomous,” Terrelonge stated in a media release.

“This move ensures that the taxes paid by Portmore residents will remain in Portmore, directly contributing to the development of roads and other infrastructure, technology hubs, and innovation centers. We envision Portmore becoming Jamaica’s very own Silicon Valley, and this transition is a significant step toward that goal. This will also mean an increase in the property value of homes and businesses in Portmore thereby growing the wealth portfolio of its residents.”

Terrelonge highlighted that parish status will not only lead to better allocation of resources for the benefit of families in Portmore but that it will also lead to greater employment opportunities for Portmore residents, including young people.

He said the transition will position Portmore as a technological hub, fostering innovation and expanding access to digital and economic opportunities.

In response to political arguments against the move, Terrelonge assured Portmore residents that these concerns were propaganda and not in their best interest.

“As a government, we are committed to putting the people of Portmore first. The opposition to Portmore becoming a parish has nothing to do with what is in the best interest of the people of Portmore but everything to do with politics and political propaganda” he argued.

“What most persons do not understand is that currently, the St Catherine Municipal Corporation has 41 councillors, with 20 representing the Jamaica Labour Party and 21 from the People’s National Party. Nine of those councillors for the PNP who sit in the SCMC also sit in the Portmore Municipal Corporation. If Portmore becomes a parish, these nine councillors and the three who represent the JLP will no longer have seats or influence in the management of the SCMC. That is the real basis for the political postering of the opposition,” he added

Terrelonge further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate, ensuring that the decision to establish Portmore as a parish is not driven by political considerations but rather by the long-term benefits for the people.

“Our focus is on keeping our promise to the people of Portmore that was made clear in our 2020 Manisfesto to make Portmore the 15th parish. There have been widespread consultations over the years with residents, community groups, public bodies, as well as a Parliamentary Joint Select Committee. Parish status will improve infrastructure, enhance job creation, and create opportunities and improve the lives of both the young and the elderly. This is about the future of Portmore, and it is a promise made and a promise that will be kept,” he argued.

He also pointed to alleged recent financial mismanagement issues within the St Catherine Municipal Corporation as further justification for Portmore’s independence from SCMC.

“You will recall the news last month of the $1 billion that was reportedly mismanaged or lost from the St Catherine Municipal Corporation. An autonomous Portmore ensures that taxpayers’ money remains in Portmore and is used solely for the development of Portmore and to the benefit of its people,” he stressed.