Jamaica Senate sitting highlights role and powers of Upper House

Jamaica’s Senate is the nominated chamber of Parliament, comprising 21 members. Thirteen Senators are named by the Governor-General after advice from the Prime Minister, while the remaining eight are selected on the recommendation of the Leader of the Opposition.

Up to four Ministers may come from the Senate, and those Ministers can be assigned portfolio duties. The chamber is most often used to examine legislation already approved by the House of Representatives.

The Senate also has authority to introduce Bills, but not money Bills. Its power to hold up legislation is limited: money Bills may be delayed for no longer than one month, while other Bills cannot be stalled beyond seven months.

When a new Senate first meets, or when either position becomes vacant, Senators choose a President and Deputy President. A Minister or Parliamentary Secretary is barred from serving in either of those two offices.