Jamaican Government
From Jamaica2Rhatid
Jamaica gained independence from britain and draft its own constitution on the 6th of August 1962 (Independence day). The form of government is a constitutional parliamentary democracy with the head of state being the monarch of England, Queen Elizabeth II since 1952. The monarch is through heredity. The governor-general is the monarch's representative on the island and is appointed by the monarch on the advice if the prime minister. The prime minister is the head of the government and is appointed by the governor-general. The prime minister is appointed on the governor-genral's judgement that he/she commands the confidence of the majority if the members of parliament, usually the leader of the party with the most seat. Jamaica is a full and participating member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and a member of the commonwealth of nations.
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Parliament
Jamaica's parliament is bicameral with a 60 member house of representative(Lower House) and a 21 member house of senate(Upper House). The 60 members of the house of representative are elected during general elections held every five(5) years. Most bills are initiated in the house of representatives and no bill can become law unless it is passed by the majority of the members present in the house. Funds cannot be granted nor taxation levied without the approval of the house as it has control over government's finances. The 21 members of the senate are appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister abd opposition leader. It consists of 13 members fron the ruling party and eight(8) members from the opposition. The Senate usually functions as a review chamber, considering Bills passed by the House of Representatives. But the Senate may also initiate legislation, except money Bills. It cannot delay money Bills for more than one month nor any other Bill for more than seven months.
The Cabinet
The Prime Minister forms and presides over the Cabinet. The Cabinet is the centre of the system of Government. It initiates Government policies and programmes, and is responsible for the general direction and control of the Government. The Cabinet must consist of the Prime Minister and not less than 11 other ministers (no upper limit is specified). Not more than four ministers must be appointed from the Senate, and they may have portfolio responsibilities. The other Cabinet Ministers are appointed from the House of Representatives. Cabinet Ministers may be assisted by Ministers of State and Parliamentary Secretaries. Each minister conducts the ordinary business of his ministry without referring to any other Minister. However, important matters, especially those which may become the subject of discussion in Parliament, are brought before the Cabinet for discussion and decision.
Local Government
Jamaica is divided into 14 administrative divisions/parishes with their local government/parish council. Some of the major cities also have their own elected mayor. Kingston and St. Andrew amalgamated to form the Kingston and St. Andrew corporation. The islands 60 constituencies are divided into 227 electoral division each of which is represented by a Parish Councillor for Local Government. Parish councillors are elected in parish council elections held every three(3) years. The mayor is elected to serve the term of the parish council. Responsibilities of local government includes Public Health, public markets, fire services, water supplies, abattoirs, building regulations, public beaches, sanitation and public cleansing and street lighting.
Political Parties
To be included
