Standing Orders Committee of Parliament has approved changes to allow new dispensation 

Following deliberations of the Standing Orders Committee of Parliament, the Senate has approved changes that now allow senators to participate in meetings of the Senate using information and communication technologies (ICT).

However, senators accessing this facility will be restricted to taking part in debates, asking and answering questions and contributing to discussions.  But, in keeping with current provisions of the Constitution, members of the Upper House of Parliament participating virtually will not be permitted to vote, present a Bill or motion or form a part of the quorum of the Senate. 

This development comes in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions and follows a decision to allow Senate committees to meet virtually.

Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson described the move as “a marriage of the digital age and parliamentary tradition”.

Comments from Senate leaders

“The decision to go in this direction was spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions which it placed on gatherings,” Tavares-Finson said.

“However, we have looked beyond the pandemic with these provisions to move the process to a place where we can take advantage of the technologies to facilitate members who are unable to attend Gordon House in person. We seek to arrive at a balance between the Constitution of Jamaica, the Standing Orders of the Senate and the technologies which are available to us.”

For her part, Donna Scott-Mottley, opposition senator, remarked that “the decision of the Senate to introduce a hybrid form of sitting where some members will be present in Gordon House and others will, in certain circumstances, be able to attend virtually, is progressive and forward thinking. Although triggered by the COVID pandemic, the decision will open the door to the increased use of technology to enhance the functioning of the Upper House. I am proud of this development.”

The bi-partisan Standing Orders Committee is currently engaged in a comprehensive review of the Senate Standing Orders.