KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Senate today suspended debate on the DNA Bill, pending discussions between the Justice and National Security ministries on the proposed amendments.

Minister of Justice, Senator Mark Golding requested the suspension, pending talks with Minister of National Security Peter Bunting on several points raised by members on both sides, as the debate dragged on through its second day in the Senate.

One of the issues being discussed is Government member Lambert Brown’s objection to Section 49 of the Bill, which deals with the duty of the custodian of the samples or DNA profiles to destroy them, and inform the persons from which they had been taken that were destroyed.

Senator Golding has suggested that the taking of the samples should be recorded audiovisually or, where that is not possible, to have the action witnessed by a justice of the peace.

However, after suggesting the amendment, Golding asked the president of the Senate to suspend the sitting to tomorrow, to allow him time to discuss the issues with Bunting.

Debate on the Insurance (Amendment) Act was also postponed.

Balford Henry