President of the Senate, Senator the Hon. Thomas Tavares-Finson (right) and Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Juliet Holness (left), pose for a photo with Programmes Manager of the Good Governance, at CPA HQ, Fraser McIntosh (second left), Clerk to the Houses of Parliament Colleen Lowe (centre) and Clerk to the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, Brian Caesar.
Four New Senators sworn in PLUS
One year ago, I assumed the role of Clerk to the Houses of Parliament, a privilege that continues to inspire me daily. As we embrace this new chapter, I am filled with gratitude for the collective dedication that drives our institution forward. Together, we are not just serving Parliament; we are strengthening the foundations of Jamaica’s democracy.
Our commitment to innovation remains unwavering. This year, we accelerated Parliament’s digital transformation, streamlining processes to enhance transparency and public access. The Secretariat has been instrumental in this transition, ensuring seamless operations while upholding the highest procedural standards. These advancements reflect our pledge to meet the evolving needs of those we serve.
True progress begins within. Over the past year, we’ve prioritized staff development and workplace culture through targeted initiatives:
Housing Support: Partnered with the NHT to secure first-preference housing solutions for staff.
Wellness: Launched our popular weighted aerobics programme, fostering physical health.
Team Unity: Introduced HOP-branded dress-down shirts and hosted our transformative retreat at Hyatt Zilara-Ziva, building camaraderie beyond the office walls.
Enhanced Facilities: Completed the renovated Members’ Lounge, creating a modern space for collaboration.
Guided by the Change Management Steering Committee (CMSC), these efforts have measurably enriched our organizational culture as a testament to the power of collective action.
As we look to the future, let us carry forward the same spirit of innovation and service. The work of the Parliament, rooted in transparency, accountability, and good governance, remains critical to Jamaica’s development. I urge every member of our team to take pride in our shared mission: to serve with excellence and uphold the trust placed in us by the Jamaican people.
Ms Colleen Lowe, MBA, LLB, PGDIP (BPTC), LEC
Clerk to the Houses of Parliament
Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness led a successful official visit to Japan from February 3 to 8 2025. The historic visit, undertaken at the invitation of her Japanese counterpart, Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga, marked the first time a Jamaican Speaker of the House has made an official visit to Japan. The visit was of particular significance as it took place in the context of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan and the 2nd Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year. During her time in Japan, Speaker Holness engaged in high-level discussions with Japanese parliamentary leaders, and met with ministers of government, senior officials, and business leaders to explore avenues for deeper cooperation in key areas such as trade, energy, disaster resilience, education, and cultural exchange. The Speaker emphasized the importance of strengthening the parliamentary ties between Jamaica and Japan, noting that the visit provided a platform to enhance dialogue, foster mutual understanding, and explore opportunities for collaboration that would benefit both nations.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness (third left), shares a moment with Ms. Yoko Kamikawa, Head of the Parliamentary Women’s Network of Japan (center). Also pictured are (from left) Members of Parliament Dr. Morais Guy and Ms Tamika Davis, Jamaican Ambassador to Japan, Her Excellency Shorna-Kay Richards, Member of Parliament, Mr. Dwight Sibblies, and Clerk to the Houses, Ms. Colleen Lowe
Global engagements allow Jamaican parliamentarians to foster bilateral and multilateral relationships with other countries and international organisations. In this quarter, the Houses of Parliament continued its participation in global engagements to reinforce Jamaica’s commitment to democratic governance. Some of the engagements were the UK Parliament’s AI in Security Workshop, January 28-30, the 73rd Westminster Seminar on Effective Parliaments, March 10-14 and the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Delegation to Washington, D.C. March 25-27.
Clerk to the Houses, Ms. Colleen Lowe, hands the Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, UK Parliament a plaque bearing the Jamaican Coat of Arms
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, the Hon. Zavia Mayne (right) and Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Julian Robinson (centre) pose with (from left) Dawn Butler MP, UK; Senator Rosemary Moodie, Canada and Lord Taylor of Warwick, UK
Government Senator Dr Saphire Longmore making a presentation at the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Delegation to Washington, D.C.
The Ceremonial Opening of Parliament took place on Thursday, February 13, marking the start of the 2025/26 parliamentary year. The occasion was marked by its traditional elegance and formality. The Throne Speech was delivered in the Houses of Parliament by the Custos of Kingston, the Hon. Steadman Fuller, who represented the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen. The speech outlined the Government’s key policy priorities and initiatives for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (second left) and Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (second right), share a moment with Senators, Hon. Ambassador Audrey Marks and Hon. Delano Seiveright (right), who were sworn in on March 17 during a ceremony held at King’s House. Senator Marks has been appointed Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, while Senator Seiveright was named Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism.
President of the Senate, Senator the Hon. Thomas Tavares-Finson (left) and Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Shri Mayank Joshi
President of the Senate, Senator the Hon. Thomas Taveres-Finson and Public Defender Mrs. Carolyn Reid Cameron
Speaker of the House, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness (second left) and Clerk to the Houses, Ms. Colleen Lowe share a moment with Speaker of the House of Commons in Canada, Greg Fergus (second right) and High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica His Excellency Mark Berman
President of the Senate, Senator the Hon. Thomas Tavares-Finson (left), Speaker of the House, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness and Executive Assistant to the Secretary General, Haitian Chamber of Deputies, Mr. Rosny Cadet
The Parliament of Jamaica began the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) Recommended Benchmarks Self-Assessment Exercise. This CPA initiative is a part of its Good Governance Project, which is funded by a grant from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This exercise underscores Jamaica’s commitment to Vision 2030 National Development Plan, particularly National Goal #2 – “The Jamaican Society is Secure, Cohesive and Just,” and National Outcome #6 – “Effective Governance.” The CPA Benchmarks, established to reflect good parliamentary practices across the Commonwealth, have guided reforms in countries such as the Cayman Islands, Fiji, and Eswatini. The Jamaican Parliament’s participation will help identify areas for improvement and support reforms that align with the Commonwealth Charter's principles. President of the Senate, Senator the Hon. Thomas Taveres-Finson, said that the exercise represented the unwavering commitment of the Houses of Parliament to ensuring that the legislative practices meet the highest standards of good governance. Meanwhile, Speaker of the House, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness said that engaging in this critical exercise demonstrated the Houses’ commitment to accountability and legislative excellence. A key component of the assessment involved consultations with stakeholders to gather feedback on the respective benchmarks. The Houses of Parliament looks forward to the findings and to identifying areas where it can further enhance its legislative processes.
President of the Senate, Senator the Hon. Thomas Tavares-Finson (right) and Speaker of the House, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness, share a moment with (from left) Deputy Clerk, Mr. Christopher Cowan, Programmes Manager of the Good Governance Project CPA HQ, Mr. Fraser McIntosh, Clerk to the Houses, Ms. Colleen Lowe, Clerk to the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Brian Caesar, Assistant Clerk (Acting), Ms. Chesanne Brandon.
of the Senate, Senator the mas Tavares-Finson (right) er of the House of atives, Most Hon. Juliet eft), presents the book Heritage in Pictures’ to mes Manager of the Good ce Project, Commonwealth tary Association ters (CPA HQ), Mr. Fraser
In alignment with the Jamaican Government's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, the Clerk of the Houses of Parliament has launched a "Green Approach" recycling initiative. This initiative underscores the importance of leading by example, especially within the institution responsible for creating and enacting legislation. Recognising the Parliament's pivotal role in shaping national policies, the Clerk believes it is essential for all members and staff to actively participate in environmental stewardship.
The Government has implemented several initiatives and legislation to promote a better environment, including the Deposit Refund Scheme for plastic bottles and the upcoming mandate for waste separation in public entities. These efforts aim to increase recycling rates and reduce plastic waste across the island. By instituting this recycling project, the Clerk emphasizes the Parliament's role in setting a standard for environmental responsibility. It is a call to action for each of us to play our part in fostering a sustainable future.
Easter is a religious holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This holiday is usually celebrated in April and is typically observed with church services, family gatherings and various traditions. As we approach the Easter season, Here are some common traditions in Jamaica:
Bun and cheese: A favourite Easter treat in Jamaica is eating bun and cheese, usually with a spiced bun filled with raisins and dried fruits.
Fish: Many Christians observe the tradition of eating fish on Good Friday commemorating Jesus’ sacrifice.
Parties: The holiday period of Good Friday to Easter Monday dubbed “Easter Weekend” sees a host of parties being held every day of the weekend usually in St Ann.
Jamaican Carnival: Carnival in Jamaica involves vibrant parades, extravagant costumes and music primarily Soca music. It’s an annual event celebrating Caribbean culture typically held in April around Easter.
To support our democracy by facilitating the work of our Parliamentarians and creating a citizenry which is informed and interested in the work of the legislature.
To be a recognized leader of parliamentary best practices, efficiency and operational effectiveness, enabling us to meet the aspirations of the people.
81 Duke Street, Kingston
Tel: (876) 922-0200
Fax: (876) 967-1708
Website: www.japarliament.gov.jm
