Work Will Continue On Key Pieces of Legislation – PM

KINGSTON — Newly installed Prime Minister, the Hon. Andrew Holness, says his administration is committed to continuing and advancing work started on several key pieces of legislation, under the stewardship of his predecessor, the Hon. Bruce Golding.

Delivering his inaugural address, following his installation at King's House on October 23, the Prime Minister cited the fight against corruption, modernisation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and education transformation, among the priority areas.

Regarding corruption, Mr. Holness noted that the administration is making progress in fighting this issue, while pointing to several pieces of legislation, which he said are designed to bring greater transparency and oversight to public administration. These include:  the new Anti Corruption Bill, and amendments to the Procurement Regulations which, he assured, “will have the support of the Government in Parliament.”

The Prime Minister informed that progress is also being made in modernising the JCF, noting that Jamaica has benefitted from national security co-operation pursued with the country’s bilateral partners.

“This co-operation must be continued and intensified. In parallel, we are making progress in crime fighting. We cannot relax on crime at this point, and we will bring to Parliament, very soon, Anti-Gang Legislation to address the threat of organised crime,” he asserted.

Mr. Holness also highlighted work undertaken in reforming the administration and infrastructure of Jamaica’s justice system, pointing to the passage of the Fundamental Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In this regard, he underscored the need to continue and accelerate work in this area.

He said progress is also being made in transforming and modernising the nation’s education system, and that all the gains made towards attaining universal literacy and numeracy among the nation’s children, must be consolidated.

“The new institutions we have built and the new programmes we have implemented must be given time to work. We will be taking to Parliament shortly, Bills to enshrine the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) into law, and we are now working on laws for safety and security in schools; school improvement facilitation; and greater parental participation in education,” the Prime Minister added.

Mr. Holness also highlighted the framework developed for public sector reform, which he contended, is designed to improve the efficacy and efficiency of government.

“The recommendations of the Task Force (on public reform) must be implemented with as much consensus as possible, but as quickly as possible,” Mr. Holness urged.

By Douglas Mcintosh, JIS Reporter