Senate Gives Stamp of Approval for Road Traffic Indemnity Act

Despite many objections from Opposition Senators, the Road Traffic Amendment, Validation and Indemnity Act, 2021, received the stamp of approval from the Senate.

A highly unusual practice, a fast-tracked amendment to a legislation; in mere minutes, the Road Traffic Amendment, Validation and Indemnity Act, 2021 left the Lower House and reached on the agenda of the Upper House.

This was in an effort to bridge the gap in what is being referred to as a legislative error. Opposition Senator, Dr. Floyd Morris sought to move a privileged motion on the basis that he was not privy to information, but the President of the Senate, Senator Tom Tavares- Finson, was not having it; he noted that he had made a ruling.

Senator Dr. Morris noted that time must be given to review the legislation and to reference to the Jamaican Constitution to ensure that the tabled legislation does not violate the Constitution. He noted that he is not willing to resign from that responsibility as a member of the chamber, as his duty is to review legislations.

In the end, despite the objections, the amendments were passed to secure the state against further legal action pertaining to road traffic fines.

More in this CVM Live story from Robian Williams: