Special Independence sitting of Parliament today

Lawmakers will today converge on Gordon House, the seat of Jamaica’s bicameral legislature, for a joint sitting of the Senate and the House of Representatives in commemoration of Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence.

The special sitting will feature an address by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, along with presentations from Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Marisa Dalrymple Philibert, and Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson will also make brief addresses to lawmakers.

As part of the 60th-anniversary celebration, Holness and Golding will unveil a commemorative plaque in Parliament.

Today’s sitting is expected to be coloured by the usual pomp and pageantry that is associated with special state events in Parliament.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps of the Commonwealth, members of the judiciary, permanent secretaries, mayors, custodes, and other dignitaries are expected to be in attendance.

In his address, the governor general is expected to reflect on the country’s significant achievements over the last six decades.

The joint sitting is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.

Following the special joint sitting, members of the Lower House will convene a meeting to consider Senate amendments to the Transport Authority (Amendment) bill.

The legislation and Road Traffic Regulations will pave the way for the implementation of the long-awaited Road Traffic Act 2018.