Justice Minister Delroy Chuck is hoping that amendments to 2 pieces of legislation that affect the Covid measures regulation, will be passed soon.
Mr. Chuck opened the debate, on the amendment to the Emergency Powers Act, and the consequential amendment to the Emergency Public Security Act, in the Lower House yesterday.
The minister explained that the legislation were enacted in 1938 and 1939, respectively, so they are both overdue for updates.
He said part of the reason for the delay, in updating the laws, is that even the most minor change, can have repercussions for other laws, including the constitution.
Mr Chuck pointed out that most countries have repealed their similar laws.
The minister said the law reform department is under pressure to update many of Jamaica’s old laws.
