The following article was received from community leader Howard Hamilton:
Dear Vernon,
Portmore was designated a municipality in 2003 through the advocacy of the then-strong community groups. Through this representation and the Municipal Charter, we were able to directly elect our Mayor, and manage our affairs.
It was always expected that at some time in the future we would grow into a parish. This status of the parish is now upon us, and the community is somewhat split as to the way forward. There is now no need for this deep political divide after twenty (23) years. The bill to make us a parish was passed in the lower house, and so the issue at hand now is the proposed boundary. Come what may, we will need land for future development such as a new tax office, an examination depot, a hospital plus other amenities that will arise as the community evolves.
Currently, the proposed parish boundaries are not forward-looking and are only focusing on immediate political happenings. As a citizen of this community, we need land for future generations and in this regard, it would be good to examine how this can be rectified. Some of the communities left out of the proposed boundary, such as Grange Lane, Lakes Pen, Quarry Hill, and Lime Tree Grove could be included. What this would mean is that the community will have land space for future use by a later generation and the political directorate will also gain their objective politically. Regardless of what happens the people of Portmore must benefit from the new boundaries of Portmore.
Howard D Hamilton JP
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ReplyDeleteI note with interest the discussion on Portmore’s designation as Jamaica’s 15th parish. While the intent may be to enhance governance and local representation, I cannot help but question whether this move truly serves the interests of the Jamaican people.
Jamaica, a small nation of approximately three million people, already has a political structure that seems excessive for its size. With around 63 Members of Parliament, numerous parish councillors, and other political functionaries, the cost of governance is disproportionately high relative to the country’s budget. The real concern is not whether we have enough politicians, but rather whether we are seeing effective governance and service delivery.
Take, for example, the persistent issues of garbage collection, road maintenance, and zoning enforcement. The sight of unregulated structures lining our roads, the unchecked dumping of garbage, and the general state of disrepair in public infrastructure suggest that local governance is failing in its basic duties. Where are the parish councillors, the mayors, and the regulatory bodies? Are they too consumed with political maneuvering to address the pressing needs of the people?
Rather than expanding political divisions, Jamaica should streamline governance, ensuring that elected officials are held accountable for tangible improvements in public services. Perhaps instead of more politicians, we need stronger oversight, better resource allocation, and a renewed focus on infrastructure and public order.
Portmore’s transition to parish status should not be another exercise in political expansion without clear benefits. It should prompt a serious national discussion on the efficiency of our political system and the real priorities of governance.
The concept of creating a bedroom community was expedient at the onset....the equation cannot be corrected in the middle....one will haffi guh rub an start the maths ova...portmore is not an equation......
ReplyDeleteI agree with the first comment. Indtead of fixing a governance system that is not delivering the govt decides to add another parish to malfunction. The politicians should have NOTHING to do with setting the boundaries. Fed up of them thinking only of their political advantage.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mr Howard Hamilton... The main issues are the boundaries and spaces for development. Portmore should have been a Parish long ago. The PNP did a good thing when they gave Mucinipalty status so they can direct elect their Mayor and Council separately. The work content as a Parish they can grow from strength and become the best Parish ever.
ReplyDeleteThe process of making Portmore a parish needs to be done properly for the good of the people. However, I want Portmore to become a parish for selfish reasons. It seems Portmore has pledged undying loyalty to the PNP. This means that their vote will always weigh heavily on who controls the St. Catherine parish council. As such, my home town, Spanish Town is continually governed by a PNP mayor. The current mayor, Norman Scott, does nothing for Spanish Town and we can't seem to shake him because of Portmore. I say let Portmore go and they can live happy ever after with the PaiNP and allow Spanish Town the opportunity to get better representation.
ReplyDelete