Senate committee delays decision on ban on external messaging during sittings

KINGSTON — Jamaica’s Senate Standing Orders Committee on July 17, 2026 put off a final decision on Standing Order 82A2, which forbids senators from using electronic devices for external communication with other persons during Senate or committee proceedings.

Acting on minutes from its July 10 sitting, the committee confirmed that Standing Order 82, which deals with private bills, would stand as redrafted. Attention then turned to 82A2, which reads that devices allowed under the order “is not permitted for external communication with other persons during proceedings of the Senate or in committee.”

Legal counsel Miss Stewart tabled a memorandum proposing a redraft that would still bar external messaging during sittings, except where it is “strictly required to access, acquire or present data to support parliamentary presentations and debates,” subject to the final approval of the president or the chairman in committee. She said research showed Commonwealth legislatures in the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada allow electronic devices for reference material and debate notes, often through speakers’ rulings rather than standing orders. She also reported that Standing Order 82A, governing technology use in the Senate, was passed on July 15, 2011, on a motion by Senator Norma Grant.

Senators questioned whether the proposed wording was workable. Concerns included whether members would need prior permission before checking facts mid-debate, how “external communication” should be defined, and whether a blanket ban can be policed. Senator Bernard argued that live research and routine messaging are hard to regulate and that audiovisual aids under 82A6 are a separate issue. Senator Rose Bennett-Cooper said a request to parliamentary staff for documents could count as external contact yet still aid the sitting. Senator Scott Mley urged clarity on the mischief the rule was meant to cure.

Senator Golden Campbell pressed for the provision to be dropped, saying it may lack a clear purpose in 2026, is difficult to monitor, and could clash with constitutional communication rights. Senator Gail similarly asked what conduct the rule was meant to stop. Professor Senator Morris cautioned against removing restraints that support mutual respect during speeches, pointing also to Standing Order 82A5 on dignity and decorum.

The chair summarised the divide — keep a tightened 82A2, or delete it — and adjourned the matter for members to consider before the next meeting.