KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to grant an interim injunction on the Government’s move to make Portmore Jamaica’s 15th parish.

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes on Thursday afternoon granted two orders in the case brought by the PNP, including an interim injunction until the matter is heard and the prevention of the minister naming an effective date for the law.

READ: Court grants injunction against Portmore becoming parish

“These orders prevent the minister of Local Government and Community Development from naming an effective date for the law, despite its passage through both Houses and assent by the governor general,” said Member of Parliament for St Catherine South, Fitz Jackson, who is also PNP spokesperson with responsibility for affairs concerning Portmore.

In a statement on Friday, Jackson reiterated that “This action by the court is an important step in upholding the constitution and protecting the democratic will of the people of Portmore.”

“The government’s unilateral effort to impose parish status without proper consultation or consent from the residents is undemocratic and blatant gerrymandering,” he said.

Jackson continued: “The Opposition fully supports the residents of Portmore in their plight for inclusion in matters that concern them and is willing to take all legal steps to ensure that their voices are heard. Portmore’s unique local governance structure, which was developed and maintained by its residents since its inception, must not be overridden for political gain. The people of Portmore have long enjoyed governance through a distinct framework, and any change to that must involve their full and informed participation, not political manoeuvring on the brink of an election.”

The attorney general has until next Wednesday at midday to respond to the PNP’s affidavit while the PNP has until next Thursday for additional filings.

The parties will return to court next Friday at 2:00 pm when the matter will again be before Justice Sykes.