Senate convenes on June 26 as upper chamber of Jamaica's Parliament

The Senate of Jamaica convened on June 26, 2026, as the upper chamber of Parliament carried out its legislative duties.

Unlike the elected House of Representatives, the Senate is a nominated body of 21 members. Thirteen senators receive their appointments from the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The remaining eight are named on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition.

No more than four ministers may be drawn from the Senate, and those appointees may hold portfolio responsibilities alongside their chamber duties.

In most cases, the Senate serves as a chamber of review, examining bills already approved by the House of Representatives. It may also introduce legislation, though money bills are excluded from that authority.

The chamber's power to hold up legislation is tightly bounded. Money bills cannot be delayed beyond one month. All other bills face a maximum delay of seven months.

When a new Senate is formed, or whenever a vacancy arises, members elect a President and a Deputy President at their first meeting. A minister or parliamentary secretary is barred from holding either of those presiding offices.