The Disabilities Act, which makes provisions to safeguard and enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities across Jamaica, was passed in the Senate on Friday, October 10. The Bill, which was passed with 14 amendments, seeks to ensure full and effective participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities, in the society. Its main objectives are: reinforcing and promoting the recognition...

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...

The Senate, last week, approved adjustments to the proposed Tax Collections (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2014, and the Tax Penalties (Harmonization) Act, 2014, with 18 additional amendments to those advanced by the Lower House, on July 23. The amendments are intended to improve and increase collection of the various domestic tax types. This by introducing new collection mechanisms and also achieving...

A Bill to validate and indemnify the official activities of the Portmore Municipal Council and the Acting Mayor, Leon Thomas, was passed in the Senate on July 25. The Municipalities (Validation and Amendment) Act was piloted by Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding. Mr. Thomas has been acting in the post of Mayor since the passing of Mr....

Legislation to expunge the criminal records of persons convicted for possession of, or smoking small quantities of ganja was passed in the Senate on Friday, July 3. Under the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) (Amendment) Act, convictions for possession of two ounces or less of ganja, or for smoking ganja, or possession of pipes or other smoking utensils, will not...

The Senate, on Friday, June 27, approved the Financial Services Commission (Amendment of Fourth Schedule) Order, which allows fixed penalties for breaches made under the Pensions (Superannuation Funds and Retirement Schemes) Act. The penalties range from $50,000 for failure to display a certificate of registration or licensing certificate, to $200,000 for performing duties as a fund administrator without being licensed....

The Senate on Friday, March 21, passed the fiscal rule legislation, as the government moves to put a cap on what the country can spend. The fiscal rules seek to bolster transparency within the economy and ensure a sustainable budget. Their enactment means that Parliament will have a greater responsibility in the management of the country’s economic affairs. The Bills,...

The Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Bill, popularly called the ‘anti-gang’ legislation, was passed in the Senate, on (March 7), with three amendments. The law makes provision for the disruption and suppression of criminal organisations and outlines offences, in order to restore a sense of security in the Jamaican society and strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies to...

Debate on the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Bill, popularly called the ‘anti-gang’ legislation, began in the Senate on February 28. The Bill makes provision for the disruption and suppression of criminal organisations and outlines offences, in order to restore a sense of security in the Jamaican society and strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies to deal with...