Portmore Mayor Leon Thomas is calling for more infrastructural development, as conversations continue for Portmore to be declared the 15th parish. According to Mayor Thomas, while he appreciates the consideration he says more development of structures and facilities work needs to be done first before naming it a parish.

Chairman of the Joint Select Committee (JSC) on the proposal for the city to become the 15th parish, Dr. Andrew Wheatley has explained that the designation of parish status should be based on population size. He acknowledges that while important, amenities are not prerequisites for the granting of parish status. However, the lack of basic amenities like a hospital and other health care facilities  has seen Mayor Thomas in opposition of the designation

Meanwhile, with Local Government Elections anticipated in February, the mayor says Portmore is ready.