Jamaica functions as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth, which recognizes the British monarch as its ceremonial head of state. Locally, the monarch is represented by a Governor-General, reflecting the island’s historical ties to the United Kingdom.
Parliamentary Structure
The Jamaican Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House).
House of Representatives:
Composed of 60 elected members, each representing a distinct constituency. These representatives serve terms of up to five years, determined by universal adult suffrage.
Senate:
The Senate has 21 appointed members. The Governor-General designates 13 senators upon the Prime Minister’s advice and 8 following consultations with the Leader of the Opposition. The Senate’s primary role is to review and refine legislation originating from the House of Representatives.
The Cabinet
The Cabinet formulates and directs governmental policies. It includes the Prime Minister and at least 13 other ministers, who must be drawn from Parliament. A maximum of four Cabinet members may be Senators. Crucially, the Minister of Finance must serve in the House of Representatives.
Local Government
Local administration is predominantly parish-based, though Kingston and St. Andrew merge under the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC). The island’s 60 constituencies subdivide into 275 electoral divisions, each guided by a Parish Councillor.
Jamaica’s local governance traces back to 1662–1663, soon after the British captured the island in 1655. The earliest form, known as the Vestry system, mirrored English local administration of the period.
Vestry System:
This structure combined lay magistrates and clergy who oversaw parochial matters, from road maintenance to public order. However, issues of corruption and exclusivity became prominent. Following the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865, the Vestry system was dissolved in 1866.
Municipal and Road Boards (1867):
After the Vestries’ abolition, these boards—appointed by the Governor—managed local affairs. They also reduced the number of parishes from 22 to 14.
Parochial Boards (1886):
Elected representation returned, combining the responsibilities of previous boards. Duties expanded to include public health, markets, fire services, sanitation, and more.
Over the decades, these reforms have streamlined governance and enhanced public administration across Jamaica’s urban and rural districts.