Portmore, which has been approved for status as Jamaica’s 15th parish, is being positioned to become a ‘Smart Tech City’ serving the global and knowledge services industries.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, while making his contribution to the 2022-2023 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 17), said major investments infrastructure are being made through the Port Authority and the Factories Corporation to support these industries.

“We know that the people of Portmore share this vision of an economically thriving, urbane, modern, creative, and socially progressive community,” Holness said.

“We are confident that the new parish status will unleash a sense of pride in the community which will see the fulfilment of this vision.”

PLANS ALREADY UNVEILED TO IMPROVE HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE

The prime minister said a previous announcement around Government plans to undertake three major road improvement projects in Portmore, including a new seamless access to Portmore from Mandela Highway, would be symbolic of the community’s new designation.

In addition, he said the Ministry of Health and Wellness has already unveiled plans to significantly improve the health infrastructure in the parish.

Also, the prime minister revealed that the Government is now actively reviewing lands in Portmore to construct a fire station and a market.

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) is finalising plans to construct a climate change theme park in the parish.