Sajoune Rose, Gleaner Writer

MUCH RESERVATION surrounds the announcement made by Opposition Leader Bruce Golding that he will declare Portmore Jamaica's 15th parish if the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) wins the August 27 general election the idea is not new, persons are questioning the move.

Mayor of Portmore, George Lee, said he is not interested in Portmore acquiring parish status because being declared a parish carries several ramifications. "What I'm interested in at this time is that Portmore like any other local authority is given greater autonomy and more access to funding," he said. "You could have a parish and deficiencies in the system that currently exist would still exist." He said that he would need a long time to elaborate on these ramifications.

The mayor said he is not bashing the idea, but simply wants to concentrate on building on what Portmore currently has. "I'm not against the concept, I'm not knocking it. In fact, one of these days further down the road, it might be something that might have to be considered," he said.

For his part, Minister of Local Government and Environment, Dean Peart, dismissed the promise by the Opposition Leader describing it as "foolishness". He said that he does not see it as an issue pointing out that Mr. Golding first has to become Prime Minister before he can even attempt to make this possible.