THE Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is to be asked to rule if mayor of Portmore, the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Leon Thomas, is to face assault charges.

Jamaica Observer sources say investigators from the Greater Portmore police are preparing a file to submit to ODPP for a ruling on the allegations filed by three women against Thomas.

The matter stems from an incident that was captured on video which has now gone viral. The video showed a contentious consultation meeting on February 18, which was called to discuss Portmore becoming Jamaica’s 15th parish.

In the video of the rowdy meeting an obviously agitated Thomas could be seen approaching a woman and seemingly ripping a placard from her hands while appearing to shove her. The woman appeared to take evasive action.

During his approach Thomas also appeared to make contact with another woman who seemed to lose her balance.

Three women later alleged that they were injured during the melee and had to seek medical attention.

Tomas has argued that his actions were in response to “disorderly and disruptive actions” of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters at the meeting.

“As the presiding officer I took immediate steps to 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,” Thomas said in a media release hours after the meeting.

Alexander Shaw, the attorney representing the women, says two of them submitted medical reports to the police detailing their injuries.

One of the women, with whom Thomas appeared to make physical contact, was reportedly diagnosed with left neck, left trapezius, and left anterior deltoid muscle strain and inflammation and spasm, and given prescription drugs.

According to Shaw, he was told by the investigating officer that a file was being prepared for ODPP.

Over the weekend Shaw expressed concern at the pace of the investigation but on Monday afternoon he told the Observer that he is satisfied progress is being made.

But the attorney questioned why an assault matter was being escalated up to ODPP.

He argued that it may be because it involves a public official, and expressed concern this could result in a further delay.

“To the best of my knowledge, my clients have provided all the relevant information to activate the channels of justice. To date, I have not been advised of any further or necessary investigation.

“Several days ago I was duly informed by the investigating officer that the file was submitted to the inspector in charge of the department, for further actions,” said Shaw.

The St Catherine South police reportedly launched an investigation into the incident and collected several statements, including from two of the women who were seen on the video.

Parish status has been a divisive issue between the governing JLP and the parliamentary Opposition PNP.

The PNP has argued that the process is an undemocratic attempt at gerrymandering by the JLP to give itself a political advantage in Portmore.

The JLP has countered that parish status will allow Portmore — the most populous community in the English-speaking Caribbean with more than 200,000 residents — to unlock its potential as the Silicon Valley of the Caribbean, while managing its own affairs.

Representatives of both the JLP and PNP were present at the meeting which was held eight days after the House of Representatives voted to pass the Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act 2025, paving the way for Portmore to become a parish — Jamaica’s first in 158 years.

The Bill was approved by the Senate last Friday, despite a claim by Opposition senators that it was unconstitutional.