The Disaster Risk Management Act, which seeks to strengthen the country’s overall national disaster preparedness, emergency management and response processes and mechanisms, was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 7. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Noel Arscott, noted that the Bill reflects modern, strategic, administrative and legal approaches consistent with current best practices. “It...

The House of Representatives, on October 7, passed the Insolvency Act, which seeks to consolidate the law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, receiverships, provisional supervision and winding up. The legislation repeals the Bankruptcy Act, and matters connected with, or incidental to that Act, including the amendment of the Companies Act. Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Anthony Hylton, said the...

Debate has started on the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2014, which provides for the registration, regulation and funding of political parties. Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, who opened the debate during Tuesday’s (September 30) sitting of the House of Representatives, said that the Bill seeks to make “new ground” on party registration and...

The Government has commenced the process of entrenching local governance in Jamaica’s Constitution, with the tabling of the Constitution (Amendment) (Local Government) Act. The Bill was tabled in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 30, by Leader of Government Business in the Lower House, Hon. Phillip Paulwell. The legislation is in keeping with recommendations made in the August 1993...

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday September 30, passed the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) (Amendment) Act, paving the way for the removal of criminal records against the names of persons convicted for possession of, or smoking small quantities of ganja. The Bill also removes the additional rehabilitation period prescribed in the Act (1988) and adjusts the rehabilitation period prescribed...

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 23, passed the Employment (Flexible Work Arrangements) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, paving the way for the introduction of flexible working time. The flexi-work arrangement is intended to increase employment opportunities, enhance productivity and afford workers the opportunity to better structure their lives through a flexible employee/employer work agreement. Making his contribution to the debate on...

A Bill to amend the General Consumption Tax (GCT) Act was tabled in the Senate on Friday, September 19, paving the way for an improved tax collection system. Justice Minister, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, tabled the Bill, which was passed in the House of Representatives on September 17. It introduces a series of adjustments, which aim to facilitate the operation of...