Debate on the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to introduce significant reforms in the justice system, began in the Senate, on December 4. Opening the debate, Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, noted that the amendments address several issues, including the admission into evidence of documents of facts by agreement between the Defence and Prosecution. He also informed...

The Disaster Risk Management Act, which seeks to strengthen the country’s national disaster preparedness, emergency management and response processes and mechanisms, was passed in the Senate on Friday, November 7. The Bill repeals and replaces the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Act of 1993. Minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding, noted that local disaster managers have been finding it difficult...

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...

The General Consumption Tax (Amendment) Act was passed in the Senate on Friday, September 26. The legislation introduces a series of adjustments, which aim to facilitate the operation of businesses as well as achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in the system of tax collection, and also widen the tax net. Opening the debate on the Bill, Minister of Justice, Senator...

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....