Changes to expand the jury pool will be up for public consultation in October, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice said yesterday.

Kim Wilkerson told the Senate that a draft version of amendments to the Jurors Act 1971 was still in the consultation phase.

It proposes to widen the eligibility for people to serve on juries, including those as old as 75.

The idea was raised in the 2024-25 Throne Speech, where the Government showed interest in opening jury duty to the spouses of Bermudians, Permanent Resident Certificate holders and guest workers.

One Bermuda Alliance senator Victoria Cunningham asked if these factors had been considered, as well as the fairness of having people aged 75 serve on a jury.

Ms Wilkerson confirmed their consideration, but did not say if a decision had been reached.

She added: “Certainly, I believe that people who are over 70 or over 75 have a lot to contribute, not just time.

“But the thinking will be that there would be some sort of fitness engagement to vet whether people can appropriately serve.

“At this stage, the proposals are in the consultation phase, so at the moment, a draft version of the proposed changes are with the Chief Justice and the judiciary.

“It will go through the Bar Council and we will begin public consultation in October.”