The Senate on Friday (March 9) approved the Protection of Geographical Indications Bill, with three amendments. The Bill seeks to provide a stronger level of protection on geographical indications (GIs) of goods, thereby preventing a designation of a product as being made other than in the true place of origin. GIs are defined as indications that identify a good as...

History was made in the Jamaican Parliament today, when the Senate approved the Bill shortly entitled, ‘The National Heroes and other Freedom Fighters (Absolution from Criminal Liability in Respect of Specified Acts) Act, 2017’. The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, who piloted the Bill in the House of Representatives, said it aims to absolve...

Deputy President of the Upper House, Senator Aubyn Hill, has welcomed the news that Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) is on course to exceed the $283.4 billion in collections projected for 2017/18. The agency reported recently that it has collected $207.7 billion in taxes for the April to December 2017 period, which represents $12 billion more than the target of $195.7...

Members of the Senate today (February 1) approved the Emergency Powers (Continuance) Resolution 2018, which will extend the State of Public Emergency in St. James until May 2, 2018. All 15 members of the Senate who were present voted unanimously in favour of the motion. Six members were absent. On Tuesday, January 30, the Emergency Powers (Continuance) Resolution 2018 was...

The Senate on Friday (December 1) began debate on the Building Bill, which seeks to establish a modern legislative framework that will serve to reduce the vulnerability of Jamaica’s built environment and ensure public safety. The legislation was piloted by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith. Opening...

The Senate, on Friday (November 17), passed the Bank of Jamaica (Amendment) Act, 2017, during its sitting at Gordon House. The legislation will facilitate an extension of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Governor’s tenure by at least two years. At the conclusion of the extension, the post will be advertised and the Governor-General, in counsel, will appoint a new Governor...

The National Identification and Registration Bill, which seeks to establish a reliable identification system for Jamaicans, was passed in the Senate on Monday (November 13) after 12 hours of deliberations. The legislation was passed with 168 amendments and will return to the House of Representatives today (November 14) for approval. A National Identification System (NIDS) is intended to provide a...