Cabinet Reviews COVID in Schools, Virtual Trials and Highway Patrols

In Cabinet news, the Minister of Education reported that all schools are being closely monitored for any potential COVID-19 outbreaks. During the first week of classes, the Ministry of Health data confirms three hundred and thirteen cases affecting teachers, and four hundred and fifty six cases among students. The majority, however, had not been involved in hybrid learning. Cabinet gave its approval for a bill to amend the Indictable Procedures Act to add offences that can be tried by a judge alone and for pleas to be taken virtually. Offences to be added are abduction of a child, sexual offences, offences under the trafficking in persons, and offence under the prohibition of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Act. Cabinet also gave its approval for the introduction of legislation for the repeal and replacement of the Libel and Defamation Act, and will seek the approval of the National Assembly to strike a balance between the prosecution of the reputation of an individual and the freedom of speech and expression, in order to modernize the law of the tort of libel and slander. In an effort to reduce the upsurge in traffic accidents, the Department of Transport Enforcement Unit will increase the number of officers and the fleet that patrols all highways. Finally, Cabinet gave its approval for legislative changes to the Money Lenders Act and Money Lenders Regulations for improved transparency and accountability as well as to strengthen entry barriers for new and existing money lenders.