Bill to Establish NSC Into Law for Parliament Soon

The Government will be bringing to Parliament soon, a Bill to establish the National Security Council (NSC) into law.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, during a sitting of the House of Representatives on June 28.

He was making his contribution to the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, which was passed with 18 amendments.

The legislation proposes to balance the need for security and the need for giving members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force certain powers that are required to address serious crimes, while at the same time upholding the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens.

The National Security Council was established in 1977. It is chaired by Mr. Holness, and includes other members such as the Minister of Finance and the Public Service, the Minister of National

Security, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Attorney General, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Commissioner of Police.
Prime Minister Holness informed the Lower House that the Council meets “every single month.”

“We have now created this body and we will be bringing to Parliament a law to establish it (the NSC). There is a consideration to have a member of the Opposition to be in attendance. I am hoping that will become a permanent part of the national security architecture,” he said.