Jamaican Parliament passes law to make Portmore 15th parish

In a historic move, the Jamaican government used its majority in the House of Representatives on Tuesday to pass amendments to the Counties and Parishes Act, officially declaring Portmore the country’s 15th parish.

The bill passed with 28 votes in favor, 10 against, and 24 Members of Parliament absent. This marks the first time a new parish has been established in post-colonial Jamaica. The island has had 14 parishes since 1867.

The decision, long debated in Jamaican politics, was met with strong opposition. Opposition MPs from the People’s National Party (PNP) walked out of Parliament in protest after the vote, decrying the move as politically motivated.

Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie defended the bill, emphasizing that it is not merely about adding another parish but about increasing Portmore’s ability to direct its own social, political, and economic development. “This decision will widen the door of opportunity for the people of Portmore by allowing them greater control over their future,” McKenzie said.