Strong Legislative Agenda for 2017-18

The Government has put forward a robust legislative agenda for the 2017-18 fiscal year, including the tabling of a new Police Service Act to replace the Jamaica Constabulary Force Act, which will support the modernisation and transformation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

The Act will facilitate the development of a modern intelligence-led police service that ensures citizen security, with stronger systems of administration, management and internal discipline.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, provided details during his 2017-18 Throne Speech in Parliament on February 9.

Legislation to establish the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) as an independent national law enforcement agency focused on terrorism, major organised crime and serious corruption will also be tabled.

The Sexual Harassment Bill will also be brought to the House. The Bill seeks to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and institutions.

The Government will also bring the DNA regulations to Parliament, the Child Care and Protection Act will be amended and the Micro Credit Act will be introduced.

A Financial Inclusion Council to implement the umbrella Financial Inclusion Strategy for the period 2016-2020 will be established, the Governor-General informed.

“The Government will take steps to further strengthen depositor protection and investor compensation across financial institutions, including credit unions, by tabling legislation dealing with Deposit Insurance. In addition, amendments will be made to the Cooperative Societies Act. This will pave the way for the establishment of compensation schemes for non-Deposit Taking Institutions (DTIs),” he added.

The 2017-18 fiscal year will also see the Data Protection Act being brought before the House of Representatives. The Act will provide for the protection of the privacy of personal data and regulate the collection, processing, storage, use and disclosure of personal data.

The Government will amend the Terrorism Prevention Act and will bring legislation to implement Jamaica’s obligations under the Geneva Convention and Protocols dealing with international and non-international armed conflicts.