Protesting PNP councillors force adjournment of St Catherine Municipal Corporation meeting
Published:Thursday | February 13, 2025 | 11:18 AM
People's National Party (PNP) councillors in the St Catherine Municipal Corporation used their majority to force an early adjournment of today's general meeting of the corporation, preventing any agenda items from being discussed.
The councillors were protesting the Government's decision to approve legislation to make Portmore Jamaica's 15th parish. On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed the bill without Opposition support.
During the meeting, Chairman Norman Scott requested a deferment of the standing orders to allow Councillor for Greater Portmore North Gary Nicholson to make a statement.
Nicholson reiterated calls for a referendum, arguing that the people of Portmore should decide their fate.
He criticised the Government for using its parliamentary majority to "strip away the democratic rights of Portmore residents".
After Scott called for a return to the standing orders, Portmore's Deputy Mayor Alrick Campbell moved for an adjournment in protest.
PNP councillors supported the motion, while Jamaica Labour Party councillors voted against it.
- Ruddy Mathison
Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.