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 56 - 60 of 77Land Valuation Act.
This Act provides rules for the valuation of public and private land and all trees standing on it by the Commissioner of Land Valuations and makes provision with respect to matters related to valuation such as access to land or buildings, appeal against decisions and the division of Jamaica into valuation districts. The Commissioner shall, in each district, make a valuation of the unimproved and improved value of every parcel of land.
Agricultural Small Holdings Act.
This Act makes rules relative to contracts of tenancy of “small holdings” i.e. any parcel of land intended for cultivation or pasturage consisting of not less than one acre nor more than ten acres held under a contract of tenancy. The Act also makes provision for the establishment of Valuation Boards.The Act establishes conditions and criteria for tenancy contracts between landlords and tenants of agricultural small holdings. No crop-sharing clauses may be included in the tenancy contract.
Registration (Strata Titles) Act.
This Act makes provision for the division of real property in strata lots, defines rights of common ownership and related rights in relation with a strata plan, and provides for administration of common property and the registration of strata titles.Land under the operation of the Registration of Titles Act may be subdivided into strata lots in accordance with a strata plan registered by the Registrar of Titles in the manner provided by this Act. The proprietors of all the strata lots contained in any strata plan shall, upon registration of the strata plan, become a body corporate.
Land Taxation (Relief) (Agricultural Land) (Derating) Order.
This Order implements provisions of the Land Taxation (Relief) Act with respect to the de-rating of land by the Minister for purposes of relief from land-related taxes. The Order authorizes de-rating of land exclusively or principally used for agricultural purposes. The Order also lays down criteria for the determination by the Board whether land can be considered as being used substantially for agricultural production.
Implements: Land Taxation (Relief) Act. (1990)
Registration 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.