Jamaica operates as a constitutional monarchy and is a member of the Commonwealth. Consequently, the Queen of England, currently Elizabeth II, serves as the ceremonial head of state, represented locally by a Governor-General.
Structure of Parliament
Jamaica's Parliament is bicameral, consisting of two houses: the Senate (Upper House) and the House of Representatives (Lower House).
House of Representatives:
This body comprises 60 members, each representing one of the 60 constituencies. Members are elected via universal adult suffrage for a maximum term of five years.
Senate:
The Senate has 21 members appointed by the Governor-General: 13 on the advice of the Prime Minister and 8 on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition. The Senate primarily reviews legislation passed by the House of Representatives
The Cabinet
The Cabinet, the principal body for government policy, includes the Prime Minister and at least 13 other ministers. Membership is limited to Parliament members, with no more than four Senators allowed. The Minister of Finance must be a member of the House of Representatives.
Local Government
Local government in Jamaica is parish-based, with Kingston and St. Andrew amalgamated under the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC). The island's 60 constituencies are further divided into 275 electoral divisions, each represented by a Parish Councillor.
Historical Development
Local government in Jamaica traces back to 1662-1663, shortly after the British captured the island in 1655. Initially, local government followed the Vestry system, modeled after contemporary English local government.
Vestry System:
This system comprised lay magistrates and clergy who managed local affairs, supporting the clergy, maintaining churches, roads, public order, and providing relief to the poor. It primarily served the interests of the planter class and lasted until 1866, when corruption and inefficiency led to its abolition following the Morant Bay Rebellion.
Municipal and Road Boards: Post-abolition, these boards, appointed by the Governor, replaced the Vestries. The number of parishes was reduced from 22 to 14 in 1867.
Parochial Boards: Elected representation was restored in 1886 with the establishment of Parochial Boards, combining the functions of Municipal and Road Boards. Their responsibilities expanded to include public health, markets, fire services, water supplies, abattoirs, building regulations, public beaches, sanitation, public cleansing, and street lighting.
Over the last century, Jamaica's local government system has evolved significantly:
These historical milestones have shaped the modern local government system in Jamaica, ensuring a structure that addresses both urban and rural administrative needs.