The Government has reiterated that it will be amending the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to go after persons with unexplained wealth.

The POCA is among several key pieces of legislation that will be amended during the 2023/24 fiscal year as the Administration pursues what Governor General Sir Patrick Allen says are “key legislative reforms to advance efforts toward realising improved public order, improved public safety and reduction in crime and violence”.

The Governor-General was speaking Tuesday as he delivered the 2023 Throne Speech to mark the start of the new parliamentary year at Gordon House.

He said the Government will achieve the above by prioritising amendments to the Finger Prints Act, the Immigration Restriction (Commonwealth Citizens) Act and the Aliens Act as well as the review of the Corrections Act.

The Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte, gave notice earlier this month that the Government will be moving to amend the constitution as part of efforts to help speed up investigations related to unexplained wealth.

She was speaking at the opening of the biennial conference of the Financial Investigations Division.

“In building a secure, cohesive and just Jamaica, Government remains relentless in executing the strategies paramount to safeguarding citizen security,” Sir Patrick remarked.

He pointed to the recent passage of the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022, which he said is “demonstrative of the Government’s commitment to save lives by addressing the issue of illegal guns”.

“This legislative reform reflects international best practices and updates fines and custodial sentences for offences,” he stated.

And Sir Patrick said the Government will continue the modernisation of law enforcement with:

• The expansion of the JamaicaEye Network

• The inclusion of additional sites to the radio and microwave networks, which are operated by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and

• Continue the construction and renovation of police stations and other facilities.

“At the same time, the Government will continue to partner with critical stakeholders on ongoing initiatives to intensify social investment in identified vulnerable communities,” he said.

The head of state remarked that “Jamaica is now in the best position since our Independence to secure our land and marine space through the Jamaica Defence Force. Government will continue to strengthen our coastal protection infrastructure by acquiring additional marine vessels during 2023/2024”.

He said that “already we are seeing the results of greater interdiction of narcotics, illegal and irregular fishing, and a reduction of the flow of (illegal) guns”.