The member of parliament for East Central St Catherine, Alando Terrelonge, has taken credit for much of the growth in development that has taken place in the municipality of Portmore in the last six years, boasting that the Sunshine City has seen significant growth in infrastructure and job creation since his appointment as member of parliament.

Terrelonge, who spoke at a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) joint division conference in Portmore on Sunday, shared that when he was an aspiring candidate, the People’s National Party (PNP) boasted that there was growth in Portmore. However, the residents dispelled these claims and complained that they lacked a lot of amenities.

“Seven years later, looking back, I can say this is now the time for growth development, and prosperity because we have changed the landscape of Portmore. The people in the ‘pipeline’ national party neglected Portmore. They neglected Portmore because they never believed in the vision of Portmore,” boasted the member of Parliament.

“When Edward Seaga said we were going to build this new city called Portmore, the ‘pipeline’ national party said ‘no, you’re wasting taxpayers money. There is nothing but a swamp over there, and it must be left to mosquitoes, rats, roaches, and rubbish.’ That is how they saw Portmore. That is how they saw the people of Portmore. They never believed that Portmore would one day become a municipality. They never believed that one day Portmore could become a parish,” he added.

‘It makes a difference who represents the people’

Terrelonge, who has been a member of parliament for East Central St Catherine since 2016, said that since his appointment, Portmore has transformed. He shared that since 2016, several businesses such as Fontana, Courts, a movie theatre, and various food establishments have opened, creating multiple job opportunities for citizens.

The member of parliament further noted that two Ibex call centres were opened, providing jobs for more than 6,000 citizens, 60 per cent of who are from Portmore. He added that free Wi-Fi was also installed in communities such as Gregory Park to ensure residents have access to the Internet.

“After seven years of good governance, the amount of banks open inna Portmore. The amount of ATM machines open inna Portmore. The amount of businesses open inna Portmore. The amount of housing schemes opening in Portmore. Prosperity! Labourites, it makes a difference who represents the people…so my commitment to you all is to continue the good work that has been done,” he promised.

Terrelonge said the opposition party lacks vision, which has led to its demise, and it is under the leadership of Andrew Holness that the country will advance.

Continuing, he boasted of Jamaica’s nine successive quarters of economic growth under Holness’ leadership, along with the lowest unemployment rate in the history of Jamaica at 4.5 per cent.