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...

The process of authenticating local public documents intended for use overseas, and foreign documents to be used in Jamaica, will soon become simpler, more efficient and less time consuming. This, consequent on the passage of the Authentication (Foreign Public Documents) Bill 2020 in both Houses of Parliament. It will facilitate a more simplified process by only requiring an approved authentication...

As the nation observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Government Senator, Dr. Sapphire Longmore, is encouraging more persons to get screened for the disease, as early detection is key in the cancer fight. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October each year in countries across the world to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment of...