GG predicts active legislative year
Published:Thursday | March 27, 2008 | 3:23 PM
Governor General, Professor Kenneth Hall has indicated that the new legislative year will be very active, during the opening of the 2008/2009 Budget Year this morning.
The Governor General reported that the expected legislative changes reflect a desire to improve national security and root out corruption.
According to the Governor General, the high level of crime continues to be an impediment to the creation of a stable society capable of sustained growth.
He said this year, crime-fighting strategies will be intensified and the mobility, surveillance and investigative capabilities of the Police Force will be strengthened.
According to the Governor General, a strategic review of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is due to be completed shortly. He is warning the police to expect major changes.
The Governor General said this year there would be a new bill to replace the Corruption Prevention Act and another to provide for the establishment of a special Coroner.
He said the government would start the implementation of the recommendations of the Justice Reform Task Force to modernise our court system.
He also said this year Parliament would be asked to enact the new Charter of Rights.
The Governor General said Parliament would also be asked to enact legislation to establish an independent Authority to investigate allegations of abuse by members of the security forces.