Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, is encouraging Jamaicans to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Bail Act. Currently, the Act is being reviewed, with the Senate set to debate on the Bill later this month. Minister Malahoo Forte who was speaking in a recent interview with JIS News, said the law has made some...

The Senate is expected to debate the Bail Bill when sittings resume at Gordon House this month, following the summer recess. The Bail Bill 2023, which was passed in the House of Representatives before the break, seeks to reform bail framework. Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, told JIS News that following the Senate’s passage of...

The Government has no intention of combining the referendum that relates to Jamaica's proposed transition to a Republic with either the upcoming Local Government or General Elections. Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, made the declaration, while addressing the constitutional reform town hall at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Santa Cruz on Wednesday...

The Bail Act 2023, which will reform the country’s bail framework in the criminal justice system, was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (July 25). The legislation, which will repeal and replace the existing Act of 2000 was approved with 20 amendments. It was reviewed by a Joint Select Committee of the Houses of Parliament. The new Bail...

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday (July 25), approved amendments to the Child Care and Protection (Amendment) Act, to bring an end to locking up children who have not committed a criminal offence but who have been deemed uncontrollable. Amendment of the Act includes the repeal of Section 24 (2), which will enable Jamaica to become compliant with obligations under...

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday (July 25), passed legislation to raise the age of retirement for holders of the offices of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Auditor General from 60 to 65 years. The Constitution (Amendment of Sections 96 (1) and 121(1)) Act, 2023, to facilitate the change, was approved without amendments. Piloting the Bill in the...

The Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs is encouraging Jamaicans in the parishes of St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland to come out for two town halls on the constitutional reform process. St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Santa Cruz will be the first stop on Wednesday (July 26), beginning at 5:00 p.m. This will be followed by a meeting on...