The island - discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1494 - was settled by the Spanish early in the 16th century. The native Taino, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced by African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually increased its independence from Britain. In 1958 it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies. Jamaica gained full independence when it withdrew from the Federation in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence as rival gangs affiliated with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, and poverty pose significant challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy.
Jamaica is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy and part of the Commonwealth realm.
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Displaying 61 - 65 of 77Registration of Titles Act.
This Act provides the registration of titles and the appointment of the Registrar of Titles and contains various rules relative to title in land and other rights and interests in respect of land, transfer of titles, etc.The Governor-General shall appoint a Registrar of Titles, Deputy Registrars of Titles and a Panel of Referees of Titles. The Act provides for the lodging of caveats with the Registrar of Titles by persons claiming an interest in land forbidding the bringing of land under the working of this Act.
Farm Loans Act.
This Act makes provision for the guaranteeing by the State of farm loans, i.e. a loan made by a bank to a farmer for the purpose of financing any project specified in the First Schedule to this Act and related to the farm of which the borrower is in possession.The Government shall be liable to pay to a bank losses sustained by a bank as a result of the granting of a guaranteed farm loan, i.e. a loan certified by the bank manager as such to comply with requirements as set out in the Second Schedule to this Act.
Land Taxation (Relief) Act.
This Act provides for the constitution of the Land Taxation Relief Board, for the de-rating of land for taxation purposes by the Minister, for the granting of relief from land tax and for appeals to the Minister against decisions of the Board.“Land tax” means property tax, parish rates, water rates, lighting rates or any other tax or rate based on the ownership or occupation of land.
Jamaica Co-operative Marketing Association Protection Act.
This Act makes provision for the protection of cooperative associations, i.e.
Beach Control (Crown Licences) Regulations, 1956.
This Order concerns licences granted under section 9 of the Beach Control Act. The Order contains rules relative to an application for licences, payment of fees and prescribes provisions included in a licence. Every licence shall contain a provision giving the competent authorities to take specified corrective action in case of encroachment not permitted by the licence.
Implements: Beach Control Act. (2005)