Justice Minister Delroy Chuck - file photo
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Delroy Chuck
Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has scoffed at concerns by the Jamaican Bar Association (JAMBAR) that it was not consulted regarding the National Identification and Registration Bill.
In a letter to the Clerk of the Houses of Parliament, JAMBAR claimed that the Bill was rushed through Parliament without its input when on previous occasions it was asked to review and comment on important pieces of legislation.
But Mr. Chuck has responded, saying the opportunity existed for individuals and groups to give feedback.
"Once the matter is laid in Parliament, it is on the Parliamentary website, it is publicised in the press that these bills have been laid, and any stakeholder can, in fact, participate. Indeed, the NIDS Bill was widely circulated amongst many, many stakeholders and all parties were asked for their input," he asserted.
Mr. Chuck has also derided JAMBAR's request that it be asked to review and comment on all important bills in the future, saying it is not mandatory that the government consult any particular body for any legislation.
"I accept that there are many bodies that have an interest, but it cannot be that a government must write each body and say give us your opinion. Once it is laid in Parliament, it is public knowledge," the minister insisted.
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