Jamaica’s fight against the illicit narcotics trade, particularly across international waters, is expected to be significantly strengthened through an amendment to the Maritime Drug Trafficking Suppression Act. The Bill, which was approved in the House of Representatives on September 2, grants the Minister of National Security, the power to waive Jamaica’s right to exercise jurisdiction over Jamaican nationals who are...

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Michael Peart, MP, and the President of the Senate, Senator Hon. Floyd Morris will represent Jamaica at the Fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament to be hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from Monday, August 31 to Wednesday, September 2, 2015. This Conference is part...

The Senate, on July 24, approved a Bill seeking to allow conch exporters to pay the export levy for the 2015 season in instalments. Through the passage of the Conch (Export Levy) (Special Provisions) Act, exporters will be allowed to complete payment within three months of the date of submission of the application for an export health certificate and export...

A Resolution allowing for a reduction in the customs duties on horses, in order to facilitate the continued viability of the racehorse industry, was approved by the House of Representatives on July 21. The Customs Tariff (Revision) (Amendment) Resolution, 2015 was approved without any further amendments. The category of horses which presently attracts a tariff of 40 per cent will...

Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, says a Cabinet sub-committee has been established to strengthen the link between the Government and the private sector, particularly as it relates to facilitating activities to spur economic growth. Additionally, he says the growth agenda subcommittee will also oversee activities pertaining to public sector transformation, and public investments, which are also...

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, July 7, approved legislation to permit conch exporters to pay the export levy for the 2015 season in installments. The passage of the Conch (Export Levy) (Special Provisions) Act will allow exporters to complete payment within three months of the date of submission of the application for an export health certificate and export licence....

A Bill to modernise Jamaica’s public procurement legislation was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 7. The Public Procurement Act will reflect new policy thinking and international best practices in the area. Opening the debate on the Bill, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Hon. Horace Dalley, said it will facilitate greater participation...

The Customs (Amendment) Act, which seeks to facilitate the implementation of best practices and standards by Jamaica Customs, has been sent to a Joint Select Committee of Parliament for consideration. The Bill was tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 7 by Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips. It will provide for the establishment of...