GG highlights wide-ranging programmes for Gov’t this year
PUMPING INCREASED resources into crime fighting, pledging to table a raft of legislation to boost the national security and justice sectors, and completing major infrastructure projects in health were among some of the crucial areas featured in the Throne Speech delivered yesterday by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen during the ceremonial opening of Parliament for the 2018-2019 legislative year.
Organised crime and the violence it produces were described as the biggest threat to citizen security. According to Sir Patrick, Jamaicans have said that “enough is enough”.
COALITION DEVELOPING
He said that the administration has shown that it is prepared to take the tough decisions to tackle the crime monster, noting that signs were emerging that a coalition was being developed across all sectors to address the issue.
In this parliamentary year, the Government will introduce in Parliament the Police Service Act, which will replace the Constabulary Force Act and provide for the modernisation and transformation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force into a modern intelligence-led police service that ensures citizen security, with stronger systems of administration, management, and internal discipline.
Allen said that the proposed merger of the Police Services Commission and the Police Civilian Oversight Authority would take place this year.
In terms of the health sector, the Government is moving to complete pre-investment works and groundbreaking for the construction of a child and adolescent hospital in western Jamaica. Phase Two of the Cornwall Regional Hospital Rehabilitation project, which includes significant work on the ventilation system, will also be completed this year.
The governor general also noted that the strategic review of the National Housing Trust was completed in November 2017. He said that the review would be brought to Parliament in the first quarter of this fiscal year for discussion and implementation of accepted recommendations.