The traditional throne speech by the Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, during the ceremonial opening of Parliament, took place on Thursday, February 18 at the George William Gordon House in Down Town Kingston. The Governor-General, for the most part, lauded the government’s effort in responding to the COVID-19 crisis and indicated policies that will be implemented to combat the effects of the pandemic.
The 59th parliamentary year convened on Thursday with the ceremonial reopening of parliament. The throne speech for the 2021/2022 parliamentary year focused on what the government says is the country’s resilience during unprecedented times.
The speech was also laced with legislative goals for several ministries. At the top of governments’ to do list is the strengthening of the legislative framework needed to yield crime fighting results.
The year will no doubt continue to see the government tackling the health crisis, including the vaccination of front-line workers. There were no major plans for education, however, the government says the renewed focus will be given to legislation.
The government maintains it is on its way to secure Jamaica’s digital future by expanding the country’s broadband internet penetration.
The Justice Ministry will also seek to pilot for enactment the judicature (parish courts) (amendment) (bill) and the judicature (appellate jurisdiction) (amendment) bill to grant the limited right of appeal to the prosecution. And as the Tourism Industry reaches a halt, the government says it will use the slowdown as an opportunity to upgrade and improve the industry so as to recover stronger.
