Senate opens pension investment debate as Peart mourned and El Niño drought risk rises

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Senate on Friday opened debate on regulations that would lift the share of pension assets eligible for private-equity investment, as government and opposition senators backed stronger retirement security but differed on the pace of change.

Government Senator Kavan Gayle said the measures aim to improve outcomes for workers and channel more capital into the local economy. Under the proposals, the private-equity ceiling would move from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent, with a further rise to 10 per cent by April 2027. Jamaica’s pension industry manages about $847 billion in assets; the higher 7.5 per cent allocation could free more than $21 billion for businesses, infrastructure and innovation. Gayle also urged broader coverage, including for informal and domestic workers.

Opposition Senator Keisha Anderson said the goals were sound but warned participation remains weak, noting 820 registered plans — only one more than a year earlier — of which just 358 are active.

Separately, the Standing Orders Committee spent hours reviewing electronic-device rules. A proposed redraft would bar external communication during sittings while allowing devices to access or present material for debate, subject to the President’s or chairman’s approval. Opposition Senator Floyd Morris backed clear guidelines so members stay attentive and respectful. Government Senator Sherine Golding Campbell argued policing device use is impractical and said the restriction’s time has passed.

A proposal by government minister Matthew Samuda to shift review of MPs’ financial declarations from the Integrity Commission to the Financial Investigations Division also drew fire. National Integrity Action principal director Dr Gavin Myers said the Commission has long handled the function and warned the FID’s executive reporting line raises independence concerns. Jamaicans for Justice executive director Mickle Jackson said any change must keep anti-corruption oversight free of executive control.

On Sunday the People’s National Party mourned Dean Peart, former Northwest Manchester MP, cabinet minister, councillor and mayor of Mandeville. The party said he was a proud son of Manchester who followed his father Ernest Peart and served alongside his brother, former Speaker Michael Peart. He won the seat five straight times over 22 years, holding portfolios including labour, environment, lands and local government. Condolences were extended to his wife Vinette, his children and constituents.

Meteorological Service Jamaica principal director Evan Thompson said an emerging El Niño pattern could bring above-normal Caribbean temperatures, below-normal rainfall and drought risk comparable to a severe dry spell about four years ago, straining water supply and agriculture.

In St Thomas, councillors including former mayor Ludlow Mathison and White Horses councillor Hubert Williams pressed for unpaid pensions for past council workers and questioned the integrity of promotion practices.

Opposition national security spokesman Fitz Jackson also urged Parliament’s Internal and External Affairs Committee to examine an Integrity Commission report on the Firearm Licensing Authority and argued the CEO should stand aside while concerns are addressed.

At St Michael’s Primary on Tower Street in Southside, Kingston, principal Juliet Campbell-Bennett — on the compound 33 years and principal since 2018 — described how the neighbouring adult correctional facility adopted the school, with inmates and officials supporting its upkeep and urging pupils to stay clear of crime. Staffing stands at 13, enrolment is climbing back toward about 300, and literacy and numeracy have risen from 9 per cent to 70 per cent.