Senate Standing Orders Committee Opens June 5 Sitting With Fort Condolence Note

Jamaica's Senate Standing Orders Committee opened its June 5, 2026 sitting with the chairman calling members to order and moving quickly through preliminary matters before the day's formal business.

No apologies for absence were recorded at the start of the meeting. Senator Shireen Golden Campbell, whose name was clarified during the roll call as Shireen with three E's, joined the proceedings online and confirmed that she was present. The chairman also noted that she had been affected, like several others, by Saharan dust conditions.

Before the committee entered its agenda, members were asked to note the death of Mr Justice Fion Exclavia Fort. He was identified in the proceedings as the husband of Marlene Malahoo Forte, a former senator, minister and member of parliament. The chairman said the matter would be treated more fully on another occasion.

The meeting also heard brief remarks about an event at the University of the West Indies the previous night. The chairman said he and Senator Bernard had attended the inaugural professorial lecture of Senator Dr Professor Floyd Morris, and indicated that he would speak further on the matter during a Senate sitting, on the motion for adjournment. Senator Morris was thanked for extending the invitation.

Members were also told that counsel had returned and had work before the committee. The chairman then turned to the minutes, identifying one set for review: the record of the meeting held on May 22, 2026.