House closes sectoral debate with Grange, Daly and Chang outlining culture, gender and security plans

The House of Representatives met on Monday, 30 June 2026, to conclude the sectoral debate after opening with prayers, a roll call and a moment of silence for victims of recent earthquakes in Venezuela.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange, Member of Parliament for St Catherine Central, led the day’s presentations. She outlined plans to redevelop the National Stadium, including seating for 37,500 with full roof cover, concert capacity of 50,000, new VIP facilities, a multi-use sports hall and a throws area. She said Jamaica will co-host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup with the United States, Costa Rica and Mexico, and reported that the stadium track is now certified as a World Athletics Class One facility. Grange also announced work on Sabina Park, the return of Caribbean Premier League cricket with an opening match on 7 August 2026, new national sports advisory bodies, expanded Festival Song and cultural programmes, and a September petition to King Charles III on reparatory justice linked to the 1781 Zong massacre.

Opposition spokesperson Joyce Denise Daly, MP for St Catherine Eastern, focused on gender, the elderly and persons with disabilities. She urged a national femicide registry, stronger action on cyber bullying and artificial-intelligence abuse, faster passage of the Elderly Care and Protection Act, pension reforms to cut delays, and a overdue review of the Disabilities Act. She also called for wider accessibility in public buildings, including Parliament.

Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang closed the debate. He said Jamaica recorded 674 murders in 2025, the lowest annual total in more than three decades, with the homicide rate falling from 40 to 24 per 100,000 residents. He reported a further 23% drop in homicides up to 29 June 2026 compared with the same period last year, and defended the government’s security record amid criticism over migration policy.

The House later approved the sectoral debate motion, took the first reading of the Jury Amendment (No. 2) Act 2026, opened debate on a Mediation Bill to continue next week, and adjourned after a dispute over whether the Integrity Commission’s annual report should have been tabled.