Jamaica · Constitution
The Constitution of Jamaica
Given effect by the Jamaica (Constitution) Order in Council 1962 and in force from independence on 6 August 1962. Entrenched provisions require a two-thirds majority in both Houses, and specially entrenched provisions require a referendum as well — which is why replacing the Privy Council has repeatedly stalled. The Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (Constitutional Amendment) Act 2011 rewrote the bill of rights, adding a right to a healthy environment and due-process guarantees.
The constitutional text
Given effect by the Jamaica (Constitution) Order in Council 1962 and in force from independence on 6 August 1962. Entrenched provisions require a two-thirds majority in both Houses, and specially entrenched provisions require a referendum as well — which is why replacing the Privy Council has repeatedly stalled. The Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (Constitutional Amendment) Act 2011 rewrote the bill of rights, adding a right to a healthy environment and due-process guarantees.
Separation of powers
Unitary. Parliament legislates for the whole island; the 14 parishes are administrative, with local authorities exercising only powers delegated by statute under the Local Governance Act 2016.
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