Jamaica Senate Passes Civil Aviation Amendment to Align With Global Standards

Members of the Senate have passed the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act, a package of changes meant to keep Jamaica's aviation rules in step with its international duties and with prevailing global standards for civil air travel.

Government Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, who steered the measure through yesterday's sitting of the Upper House, said the updated framework would tighten national supervision of the industry, help drive economic growth and shrink the chance of negative reviews from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). She cautioned that leaving the law unchanged could put Jamaica's reputation in the sector under strain.

Opposition senators largely supported the Bill, but Alan Bernard sought assurances on accountability. He questioned whether proper safeguards exist to ensure ministerial involvement in investigations is "above board". Dr. Morris Dixon replied that those protections are already in place.