Amendments to Domestic Violence Act to be Passed this Legislative Year

The amendments to the Domestic Violence Act are expected to be passed in Parliament during this legislative year.

Cabinet has approved the recommended measures, and drafting instructions have been issued.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, made the disclosure while delivering the Throne Speech at Gordon House on Thursday (February 10) under the theme ‘Building Our Jamaica: Peace Opportunity and Prosperity’.

He outlined the Government’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence, through, among other things, the establishment of shelters for victims.

He noted that the second national shelter has been opened to complement the first facility, which has, to date, accommodated 12 families, including 15 children.

Turning to the creative industries, the Governor-General said that implementation of the proposed Entertainment, Culture and Creative Industries Act will benefit from technical and funding support under the framework of the European Union (EU)/UNESCO Expert Facility on the Governance of Culture in Developing Countries.

“This will lead to the development, streamlining and safeguarding of our indigenous entertainment, cultural and creative Industries,” he pointed out.

The Governor General noted that the Government provided $90 million in grants to approximately 2,000 practitioners, as well as organisations in the cultural, creative and entertainment sectors, to cushion the devastating impact of the coronavirus (COVID -19) pandemic.

As it relates to sports, he said that Government supported Jamaica’s Olympians and Paralympians for Tokyo 2020 through the Athletes’ Assistance Programme.

Financial support through a monthly stipend totalling approximately $24 million was provided to benefit all 87 athletes who were preparing for the games.

“This propelled our fantastic athletes to win four gold, one silver and four bronze medals, and we now have the fastest woman alive in the world,” he said.