THE House of Representatives resume sittings this afternoon at Gordon House with a number of important issues on the agenda.

Chief among these issues will be the debate on the controversial Employment (Flexible Work Arrangements) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2014; and, the General Consumption Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2014, which is also an issue of concern within the private sector.

In addition, the members of the House will pay tribute to the late Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Roger Clarke; while Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell, who is also leader of the House, will answer questions from Opposition member of Parliament Gregory Mair on the tabling of a Bill to amend the Access to Information Act, 2002.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Derrick Kellier is scheduled to pilot the Flexible Work Arrangements Bill, which has been in the making for the past 17 years. But he is still facing challenges, especially the church community’s concern about its effect on members unable to attend worship on their Sabbath.

The Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) had opposed the provisions of the GCT Amendment Bill, claiming that they could mean the end of the local manufacturing sector and loss of employment for thousands of Jamaicans.

JMA President Bryan Pengelley said that the amendments would require manufacturers to make upfront GCT payments for raw materials and capital equipment to modernise their plants. He added that, to make matters worse, the amendments stipulate that refund claims cannot be made until after five months and six months for capital goods.

But, Richard Byles, chairman of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee, says the committee is satisfied that the concerns raised by the private sector have been addressed in consultations with the Government.

— Balford Henry