Laws to Be Amended to Strengthen National Security

Several critical pieces of legislation will be amended in the new 2025/26 fiscal year to strengthen national security.

This was stated by Custos of Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller, who deputised for Governor General, His Excellency the Most. Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, when he delivered the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament, on Thursday (February 13).

The Custos said for 2025/2026, legislative priorities include updates to the Firearms Act to, among other things, include a framework for plea negotiations.

“This is consequent on the effectiveness of the new mandatory minimum penalty, which has increased the level of interest among accused persons in entering guilty pleas,” he said.

The Custos noted, too, that updates will also be made to the Proceeds of Crime Act and Fingerprint Act, alongside a comprehensive reform of the Corrections Act.

Additionally, the Child Offender Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration Strategy will be launched to support transformative justice.

The speech was delivered under the theme ‘Jamaica’s Next Chapter: Aspiring to Greatness’.

The Throne Speech outlines the priority programmes and policies to be pursued by the Government in the new fiscal year, which begins on April 1.