President of the Senate, Senator the Hon. Tom Tavares-Finson, says the virtual sitting of the Upper House is a positive outcome of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) that should be embraced and developed. The Senate recently made amendments to the Standing Orders to allow members to participate in meetings of the full Senate, virtually. "It is said that from every crisis...

The Senate has approved amendments to the Standing Orders to allow members to join and participate in formal sittings virtually, due to the restrictions caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Standing Orders are the rules that govern the proceedings, actions and conduct of members in the Chamber. Piloting the motion during the sitting of the Upper House on May...

Peter Bunting was sworn in to the Upper House on Friday (December 18), to complete the slate of eight Opposition Senators. Senator Bunting, who will become the new Leader of Opposition Business, was welcomed by his colleagues after taking the Oath of Allegiance during the brief ceremony held at the start of the sitting of the Upper House. President of...

Thousands of Jamaicans who are employed in the hospitality division of passenger ships are poised to benefit from significantly enhanced rights protection under the Shipping (Amendment) Act, which has been passed in both Houses of Parliament. Under the new legislation, a wider definition of seafarer has been adopted to cover any person engaged by or on behalf of the owner...

The Bank of Jamaica (Amendment) Act, 2020, aimed at modernising and strengthening the operations of the Central Bank by improving its governance, was approved in the Senate during its sitting on Friday (December 4). Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, who piloted the Bill, said the amendment of the...

Provisions have been made under the soon-to-be enacted Dogs (Liability for Attacks) Act, 2020, for presumptions that hold dog owners accountable if the animals attack an individual in a public space, whether or not there is formal proof of ownership. This was noted by Leader of Government Business in the Upper House, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, who pointed...

Under new electricity regulations approved by the Houses of Parliament, inspection and approval of electrical works are now expected to be executed more expeditiously. This, as the supporting legislative regime will facilitate an increase in the complement of licensed electrical inspectors from the nine currently serving the island, thereby improving the turnaround time for the inspection process. The ‘Electricity (Electrical...