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.
Members:
Resources
Displaying 61 - 65 of 77Land 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)
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 (Hotel, Commercial and Public Recreational Beaches) Regulations, 1978.
This Order concerns the control of areas covered by a licence granted under section 11 of the Beach Control Act. A licence under section 11 is granted for the use of foreshore or floor of the sea. The Order prohibits, among other things, littering of beaches, use of the beach for fishing or the setting or pulling of seines or other fishnets or pots and or cut any timber.
Implements: Beach Control Act. (2005)