Robust Legislative Agenda For 2022/23 Fiscal Year

The Government will be pressing ahead with the development of several new and revised pieces of legislation in the 2022/23 fiscal year.

This was disclosed by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, as he delivered the Throne Speech to mark the ceremonial opening of the 2022/23 Parliamentary Year in the House of Representatives on Thursday (February 10).

Among the pieces of legislation to be brought to Parliament are the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Bill, which is scheduled be tabled later on Thursday; Review of the Corrections Act; Development of Enhanced Security Measures Bill;

Development of Security Personnel Integrity Bill; and Development of a National Intelligence and Security Bill.

Meanwhile, the Governor-General said the recent passage of the Criminal Administration (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) (Amendment) Act is geared towards dismantling gangs, depriving them of their illicit wealth and prosecuting their facilitators and benefactors.

He informed that since its passage, there have been 39 convictions involving 11 accused persons.

Additionally, he said amendments were passed to the Corrections Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression and Punishment) (Amendment) Act.

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

It was delivered under the theme ‘Building Our Jamaica: Peace, Opportunity, and Prosperity’.