ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Portmore Mayor Leon Thomas has condemned Tuesday night’s verbal clash between supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP) at a community meeting to discuss the Government’s proposal to grant Portmore parish status.

Videos circulated via social media late Tuesday evening showed a heated verbal clash at the municipality’s headquarters for which the police had to be called to restore order.

Noting that the meeting was intended to provide residents, including senior citizens and other concerned community members, with an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on an issue that directly affects them, Mayor Thomas blamed JLP supporters for the “disruptive actions”.

“Unfortunately, this important discussion was derailed when a group of JLP supporters, wearing green shirts bearing the names and images of MPs (Members of Parliament) Alando Terrelonge and Robert Miller, stormed the meeting, aggressively brandishing placards, chanting ‘showa Labourite’ and attempting to hijack the proceedings. Their disruptive behaviour caused distress among attendees, particularly elderly citizens present at the meeting. Witnesses even heard some of these individuals declaring that they were instructed to ‘mash up the meeting’,” Thomas said in a statement on Wednesday.

Thomas, who appeared to have grabbed a yellow placard from a woman in the viral video, noted that he was quick to step in and restore order, including removing placards from the hands of those who were deliberately creating chaos.

“My sole intention was to de-escalate a volatile situation and ensure that the meeting could proceed peacefully and constructively. As mayor, I remain committed to upholding democratic engagement and respecting everyone’s right to express their views, even in moments of heightened tension,” he explained.

He said the Portmore City Municipality denounces all acts of political intimidation and thuggery and urged MPs Terrelonge and Miller to do the same.

“It is deeply disappointing that individuals aligned with the Jamaica Labour Party sought to stifle community engagement through aggressive and unruly behaviour. We call on MP Alando Terrelonge and MP Robert Miller and the leadership of the JLP to denounce these actions and ensure that their supporters respect the democratic right of every citizen to participate in discussions about their own future,” Thomas said.

The mayor stressed that the municipality will not be intimidated and will continue to facilitate meaningful discussions that empower residents.

“Despite this regrettable incident, in keeping with Portmore’s cherished tradition of engaging with residents, the Portmore City Municipality remains steadfast in its commitment to open dialogue and respectful democratic engagement. We will not be intimidated,” Thomas said.