Government Senator Delano Seiveright has dismissed as “overblown pulpitry” claims by Opposition senators that the Government intends to manipulate constituency boundaries for political gain in Portmore.

Speaking in the Senate last Friday as the Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act, 2025 was passed — officially designating Portmore as Jamaica’s 15th parish — Seiveright emphasised that the decision was neither rushed nor politically motivated but rather “a necessary and long-delayed correction for the people of Portmore”.

Seiveright was countering arguments raised by Opposition Senator Damion Crawford and others questioning the implications of the move.

“What if they decided that Boscobel should be considered a part of Ocho Rios, so they cut it unto St Ann? What if the JLP (Jamaica Labour Party) goes and tells Falmouth that, you know, you’re getting some hotels now, you should really be under Montego Bay, we going cut you and put you unto St James? What if they plan to gerrymander Falmouth?” Crawford argued.

He also pointed to Black River in St Elizabeth and Harbour View in St Andrew as potential targets for parish boundary adjustments.

However, Seiveright — who also labelled the Opposition’s arguments as “a storm in a teacup” and “hysteria” — stated that the Portmore parish designation followed more than 20 years of “never ending” discussions, debates, and consultations across multiple administrations. He underscored the historical significance of the move, stating, “And good heavens, the last time we had the creation of a parish was in 1867 under the reign of Queen Victoria. I don’t foresee any of us in here seeing another parish developed in Jamaica in our lifetime.”

He urged Jamaicans to embrace this historic milestone, adding, “Here we have a glorious moment to celebrate the development of a parish, a new parish — Portmore, with over 200,000 citizens, a population bigger than many other parishes in Jamaica, a place that is so amazing in its set up, its dynamics and its demographics. It is something we should be proud of and we should not have it drown in political hysteria and nonsense.”

While rejecting suggestions of further parish adjustments, Seiveright acknowledged that Negril might see some form of administrative realignment, explaining, “The only other place that may see some sort of administrative adjustment, which will not be a parish, is Negril, given the unique challenges, deep-seated complaints, and untidiness about the administration of affairs in the resort town which stretches across two parishes — Westmoreland and Hanover.”

Reflecting on Portmore’s historical evolution, Seiveright outlined its transformation from Salt Pond Pen and Portmore Pen through various ownership changes before its rapid urban expansion in the mid-20th century. By the 1980s, Portmore’s population had exceeded 77,000, doubling to 160,000 in the 1990s with the development of Greater Portmore. Today, more than 200,000 residents call it home, making it the largest residential area in the Caribbean.

Under the designation the new parish of Portmore will encompass the Hellshire Hills, Goat Island, and the City of Portmore, which will serve as the parish capital.

Seiveright also highlighted Portmore’s potential as a dynamic hub for entertainment, tourism, and sustainable development, emphasising the need for structured development in key areas.

He pointed to Port Henderson Road, which, he said, could evolve into a thriving cultural district with proper vision.

The Government senator also said that Jamworld Entertainment Centre, a government-owned 80-acre venue, has the capacity to host up to 100,000 patrons for major events, while Caymanas Park, Jamaica’s only horse racing track, has the potential to expand into a premier sports and entertainment complex.

Equally critical, he noted, is the revitalisation of beaches and eco-tourism attractions, including Hellshire and Fort Clarence beaches, which are prime coastal assets.

Seiveright pointed to Hellshire Hills and Two Sisters Cave, stating that they hold immense potential for adventure and heritage tourism, while Rodney’s Arm and Goat Island, with their rich marine and historical significance, remain untapped. Additionally, he referenced the Portmore Resilience Park, currently under construction by Urban Development Corporation, as a key step in transforming the parish.

These developments, Seiveright argued, will shape Portmore’s future, ensuring that its designation as Jamaica’s newest parish is not just symbolic but serves as a catalyst for growth, investment, and enhanced opportunities for its people.