The official opening of the 2025 Parliamentary term commenced this morning with the swearing in of newly appointed senators.

There are some new appointees, following the September 3 General Election.

This is after the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) increased its numbers in the House of Representatives by winning 28 seats, while the Jamaica Labour Party won 35 seats.

Thomas Tavares Finson was sworn in as the President of the Senate after being nominated by Government Senator Kamina Johnson Smith. His nomination was seconded by Donna Scott-Mottley from the Opposition.

Government Senator, Charles Sinclair, was declared the Deputy President.

He, too, was sworn in this morning.

The swearing in of 13 JLP senators and the 8 PNP senators is now underway at Gordon House. Three members of the Senate are members of the Cabinet.

Thereafter, all 63 newly appointed Members of Parliament are to be sworn in.