Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed enthusiasm about Portmore becoming Jamaica’s fifteenth parish following the tabling of the Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act, 2025, in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The bill seeks to grant parish status to the Portmore City Municipality.

“Portmore becoming a parish is a significant step for both the residents and Jamaica in general. As we grow, our society must be reflective of that growth as well as of the future we want to create. Parish status for Portmore is a positive development that we should embrace as a mode for bringing greater organization and progress,” he wrote on X.com.

The legislation was tabled by the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie.

The Bill represents a historic feat, as it will be the first time that a parish is being established in post-colonial Jamaica.

“It is envisioned that the designation of parish status on the Municipality will strengthen its lobbying capacity; empower its citizens to more independently chart the course of development (rather than being subject to the decisions being made for the parish of St Catherine, of which the Municipality is currently a part); and facilitate the opportunity to autonomously manage any allocated resources,” the Memorandum of Objects and Reasons read.

The public’s response to the bill’s tabling is mixed. Some view it as a strategic move by the government to gain support ahead of the upcoming general election, while others consider it a long-overdue step for Portmore and Jamaica.

“Nice, now all we need is a hospital and we’re set!” said a resident of Portmore.