House advances BOJ review, justice reforms, JPS scrutiny and aviation law changes

Jamaica’s House of Representatives on June 10 moved through a packed sitting that included review of Bank of Jamaica monetary policy reports, sectoral debate presentations, energy sector accountability issues and changes to aviation law.

The House first suspended its sitting to continue as the Standing Finance Committee on BOJ’s quarterly monetary policy statement for the six months ended March 2026, along with monetary policy reports dated February 24 and May 26. Members questioned the BOJ team on growth forecasts, rural inflation, climate-related credit risks, banking competition, electronic know-your-customer systems, ATM reliability and Jamaica’s removal from the FATF grey list.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Delroy Chuck used his sectoral presentation to outline court rebuilding plans after Hurricane Melissa damage, including new court projects for St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. Ann and Trelawny. He also highlighted the integrated electronic case management system being pursued with Rwanda, social justice services, mediation, expungement reforms, legal aid, estate planning and constitutional reform.

St. Catherine North Central MP Natalie Neita Garvey, speaking on local government and participatory democracy, called for deeper municipal reform, stronger financing, digital services, better solid waste management, greater citizen participation and empowered parish development systems.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Minister Daryl Vaz later updated the House on negotiations over the Jamaica Public Service licence and the June 5 islandwide power outage. He said the preliminary JPS report pointed to a system collapse during heavy rain and lightning, but the root cause had not yet been conclusively settled. Vaz said future electricity arrangements must include stronger performance standards, resilience obligations and accountability mechanisms.

The House also approved extensions for seven zones of special operations: August Town, Norwood, Greenwich Town, Mount Salem, Denham Town, Savanna-la-Mar and Parade Gardens. National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang said an evidence-based evaluation of the zones is being advanced with Inter-American Development Bank support.

Members approved pension regulations tied to Financial Services Commission fees and passed the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 2026 with five amendments, ahead of Jamaica’s 2027 international aviation safety audit.