The Senate has passed legislation to improve aviation safety and bring Jamaica into compliance with international standards.

Government Senator Dr. Dana Morris-Dixon, brought the bill amending the Civil Aviation Act through all its stages in the Upper House on Friday.

Jamaica’s Civil Aviation Act is the primary legislation governing all civil air transport, flight operations and safety within the country.

First enacted in 1966, it empowers the government to implement global safety standards and establishes the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, JCAA, to oversee air traffic, aerodromes, and airspace.

The amendments will ensure Jamaica remains in compliance with the Chicago Convention, officially the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Dr. Morris-Dixon sought to make it clear that failure to comply with the convention would have far-reaching consequences for Jamaica’s tourism-dependent economy.

Dr. Dana Morris-Dixon, Government Senator.

Meanwhile, Opposition Senator Allan Bernard, while supporting the bill, noted with concern the sweeping powers held by the portfolio minister.

He outlined several amendments he believed would be beneficial to improve governance.

Allan Bernard, Opposition Senator.

Minister Morris Dixon says much of what was discussed could be addressed in a series of amendments that will come to the legislation at a later date.