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The Senate on Friday (June 15) proposed an amendment to the Representation of the People Act 2007, to remove the imposition of a mandatory minimum sentence for breach of Clause 4, with the punishment to be instead, left to the discretion of a judge. Clause 4 of the Act, which has already been passed in the House of Representatives, makes...

The Senate has approved the Ministerial and Parliamentary Functions (Phyllis Mae Mitchell) Validation and Indemnity Act, validating the official acts performed by Mrs. Mitchell and to regularise her tenure as Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Culture. Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Senator A.J. Nicholson, who piloted the Bill yesterday (June 16), explained that the...

The Senate, on Friday (May 25) passed companion legislation to the Proceeds of Crime Act, which is designed to fight organized crime and ensure that criminals do not benefit from their ill-gotten gains. Minister of Justice, Senator A.J. Nicholson piloted the Proceeds of Crime Regulations and the Proceeds of Crime Money Laundering Prevention Regulations 2007. In explaining the Proceeds of...

The Senate on Friday (May 18) passed the Appropriations Bill, giving approval to the government's estimated spending of $380 billion for this fiscal year. The Bill, which was piloted by Leader of Government Business and Minister of Justice, Senator AJ Nicholson, has already been approved by the House of Representatives. When broken down, the figures show that the government expects...

A Bill to amend the Employment Agencies Regulation Act of 1957 was passed in the Senate on March 2. Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Senator Floyd Morris, who piloted the Bill, said it sought to, among other things, increase the fines and penalties for breaches under the Act, so that they are in keeping...

The Senate on Friday (March 2) passed a Bill to amend the Minimum Wage Act, to increase the fines and penalties for persons who fail to comply with the law. Minister of State for Labour and Social Security, Senator Floyd Morris, who piloted the Bill, pointed out that the proposed amendments were in keeping with a commitment given by the...

The Senate yesterday (Feb. 23) passed the Proceeds of Crime Act, which will provide for the forfeiture through the courts, of properties and accumulated wealth, which cannot be explained by legitimate activity. The Act, which repeals and replaces the Drug Offences (Forfeiture of Proceeds) and Money Laundering Acts, will also support efforts to fight organized crime and to ensure that...

Debate on the Proceeds of Crime Act, which will provide for the forfeiture of the assets and properties of persons, found to have accumulated wealth through criminal activities, began in the Senate yesterday (Feb. 22). The legislation, which has already been passed in the House of Representatives, will repeal and replace the Drug Offences (Forfeiture of Proceeds) and Money Laundering...

Legislation to protect the public from misconduct by attorneys-at-law was passed in the Upper House on Friday (Feb. 9). The Bill, An Act to amend the Legal Profession Act, which was piloted by Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Senator A.J. Nicholson, provides for changes in relation to: the jurisdiction and powers of the disciplinary committee of the General Legal...

A Bill seeking to link service in the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) with employment in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), was passed in the Upper House, on (February 9). The legislation will facilitate pension payments to officers who have served in both arms of the Force on or after February 27, 1998. State Minister in the Ministry of Education...

A Bill seeking to link service in the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF) with employment in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), was passed in the Upper House, on (February 9). The legislation will facilitate pension payments to officers who have served in both arms of the Force on or after February 27, 1998. State Minister in the Ministry of Education...

The Senate on Friday (Jan. 26) passed the Trafficking in Persons Act, which will provide for the prevention of human trafficking, especially of women and girls, and punish those involved in such acts. Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Senator A. J. Nicholson, who piloted the Bill, said that the legislation sought to introduce specific provisions to deal with trafficking...