Portmore mayor Thomas confident of re-election

Portmore Mayor Leon Thomas is exuding confidence as he gears up for the upcoming local government election slated for February 26.

Reflecting on his longstanding commitment to the community, Thomas emphasised that his involvement predates his tenure as mayor, citing his leadership roles in citizens associations and as a former councillor.

“Working for the people is not just now. I started at age 24 and have been serving continually,” he said.

Thomas’ political journey began in 1998 when he was elected as councillor for the Hellshire division. Following the passing of George Lee, he assumed the role of acting mayor before securing victory in the 2016 mayoral election.

According to him, under his leadership, Portmore has witnessed significant development initiatives, including partnerships with the National Housing Trust for housing rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks that were non-existent when Portmore was established, patching and rehabilitation of parochial roads, construction and expansion of drain walls, removal of zinc fences in Naggo Head, Newland and Gregory Park, and the construction of community amenities like footbridges and taxi lay-bys.

Among his notable achievements are the construction of the modern Portmore City Municipality building and advocacy for business investment, notably in Braeton Parkway. Thomas’ vision for Portmore includes advocating for the establishment of light industries and amenities like markets and hospitals before any consideration for parish status which he believes must be decided by the people.

As the election approaches, Thomas remains vigilant amid last-minute changes in the opposition camp.

He said while these changes are occurring on the JLP side, he remains undeterred, confident in his record of transformative leadership. “Anybody who lives in Portmore or even frequent visitors to Portmore would have seen that under my leadership, Portmore has been transformed and continues to be transformed,” he asserted.

Supporting the call for the issue of parish status for Portmore to be placed on the ballot, he underscores the importance of aligning development plans with the municipality’s needs.