Two pieces of legislation underscoring the Government’s commitment to sound fiscal governance and responsibility were passed by the Senate on Friday (February 20). They are the Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2026, which was approved with two amendments, and the Asset Tax (Specified Bodies) (Amendment) Act, 2026, which was approved without amendment. In piloting the legislation, Minister of Foreign Affairs and...

The Senate has approved amendments to the Financial Administration and Audit Act 2026, which will remove the cap on the maximum amount that may be held in the National Natural Disaster Reserve Fund (NNDRF). The legislative measure seeks to cease mandatory annual transfers from the Consolidated Fund to the NNDRF once the balance is at or above $10 billion, and...

Government Senator Marlon Morgan has given notice of his intention to move a private member’s motion aimed at recognising members of the security forces for their service to the nation. The proposal is for the Wednesday preceding Father’s Day in June designated as Security Forces Day. “And, whereas it is of critical importance that the people of Jamaica affirm our...

The Senate, on Friday (January 30), approved the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act, which, among other provisions, seeks to widen access to expungement in deserving cases. Piloting the legislation, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information and Acting Leader of Government Business in the Upper House, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, stated that the expungement of a...

The late Dorothy Pine McLarty has been hailed as a trailblazer who contributed significantly to the advancement of the country’s electoral system and the legal fraternity. Members of the Senate paid tribute to the late former Chair of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica who passed recently, during its sitting on Friday (December 5) and extended condolences to widower Herman, children...

Members of the Senate paid tribute to late former Senator and Group Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy Limited, Don Wehby, during the sitting of the Upper House on Friday (November 21). Senator Wehby, who died on July 26, 2025, at the age of 62, was hailed as a visionary, patriot, nation builder and a man of integrity. In leading the...

President of the Senate, Senator the Hon. Thomas Tavares-Finson, takes the Oath of Allegiance during the swearing-in of members of the Upper House at Gordon House on September 18. Observing the proceeding is Clerk to the Houses of Parliament, Colleen Lowe.