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KINGSTON — The Bill prohibiting open balloting, and removing limitations on the use of vehicles to convey voters to polling stations on election day was approved by the Senate on Thursday November 24, 2011. The Bill, which has been hustled through both Houses of Parliament this week to ensure implementation prior to a likely early General Election, was piloted in...

KINGSTON — The Senate has passed the Bill amending The Travel Agency Regulation Act, which will impose harsher penalties on travel agencies operating illegally in Jamaica. Minister of National Security and Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Hon Dwight Nelson, in piloting the Bill on Thursday (July 28), noted that the amendments reflected changes in the travel service since...

KINGSTON — A Bill amending the controversial Interception of Communications Act was passed in the Senate on Thursday (July 28). Minister of National Security and Leader of Government Business, Senator Dwight Nelson, who piloted the Bill, noted that the amendment addressed the absence of extraterritorial application of the Act to facilitate the sharing of information with a foreign state, or...

KINGSTON — The Senate on Friday (July 22) passed amendments to the Tourism Enhancement Fund Act to increase the fees paid by airline passengers visiting the country from US$10 to US$20. Minister of National Security and Leader of Government Business, Senator the Hon. Dwight Nelson, who piloted the Bill, explained that the amendments will also allow for the collection of...

KINGSTON — The Senate today (July 22) passed a resolution prolonging the duration of the Constabulary Force (Interim Provisions for Arrest and Detention) Act until July 22, 2012.     The legislation, which came into effect on July 23, 2010, extends the powers of arrest and detention under sections 50B and 50F of the Constabulary Force Act, so that a person...

KINGSTON — The Senate, on Friday July 15, 2011, passed a resolution calling for a review of the standing orders of the Senate so as to allow for the use of technology during the sittings. Senator Norman Grant, who moved the resolution, said “it will not only bring to the Upper House, practices in line with that of the House...

The Senate is to appoint a joint select committee, to facilitate consultations between Government and Opposition members on engaging the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in discussions on its monopoly, as well as the pursuit of newer energy sources.  This follows an amendment to a Private Member’s Motion brought by Government Senator, Dennis Meadow, which had originally suggested that the...

KINGSTON — A Bill to give Parish Councillors and Mayors the powers of a Justice of the Peace (JP) was approved by the Senate on June 24. Under theAttestation of Instruments (Facilities) (Amendment) Act, Councillors and Mayors of municipalities will be able to verify and attest documents for the period they hold office. Minister of Justice and Leader of Government...

KINGSTON — Legislation to ensure the establishment of a formal structure to promote and preserve the integrity, status and relevance of the Office of the Custos, was passed by the Senate Friday (June 17). Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Senator Dorothy Lightbourne, moved the Bill, entitled an Act to establish the Office of the Custos Rotulorum. She explained that...

WASHINGTON — Prime Minister, the Hon.  Bruce Golding, during his recent visit to Washington DC, met with several members of the powerful United States (US) Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill, where he discussed areas for collaboration, while highlighting a number of positive things that are happening in the country. Among the areas for partnership, cited by the Prime...

KINGSTON — The Senate, on April 7, approved amendments to a bill, which will exempt certain categories of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals from the work permit requirement. Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Senator the Hon. Dorothy Lightbourne, who piloted the Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens (Employment) (Amendment) Act, said the changes are in keeping with Chapter Three of the...

KINGSTON — The Senate on April 8 approved a report from a Joint Select Committee of Parliament on the review of Jamaica's libel laws. The contents of the report will now go to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel for the Bill to be prepared, which will then be signed off on by Cabinet. Minister of State for Finance and the Public...