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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Resources
Displaying 41 - 45 of 77Urban Development Corporation Act.
This Act establishes the Urban Development Corporation, defines its functions and powers and provides for its administration and functioning.The Corporation shall be responsible for the laying out and development of areas designated by the Minister under this Act. The Corporation may acquire land in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act. The Act also concerns the sale or lease of any land vested in the Corporation, the development of water supply and sewerage services and the relationship between the Corporation and Statutory Undertakers.
Town and Country Planning Authority (Composition, Powers and Duties) Order, 1988.
These Regulations provide rules relative to the composition and operation of the Town and Country Planning Authority, appointment and protection of members of the Authority and related matters.
Implements: Town and Country Planning Act. (2001)
Registration of Titles, Cadastral Mapping and Tenure Clarification (Special Provisions) Act.
This Act grants power to the Minister to declare an area to be a project area, so as to facilitate cadastral mapping and tenure clarification of that area, to exempt certain land from restrictions imposed by the Local Improvements Act, the Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act and the Town and Country Planning Act and to grant other exemptions regarding land registration and land tax.
Registration of Titles Regulations.
These Regulations implement provisions of the Registration of Titles Act in relation with the certificate of title.
Implements: Registration of Titles Act. (2006)
Registration (Strata Titles) Regulations.
These Regulations implement provisions of the Registration (Strata Titles) Act in relation with the application for the registration of titles and leases and fees.
Implements: Registration (Strata Titles) Act. (2011)
Amended by: Registration (Strata Titles) (Amendment) Regulations, 2010. (2010-03-10)