Jamaica · Government
Government and administration in Jamaica
How the executive, legislature and administrative state are organised, and which body is responsible for what.
The three branches
- Head of state — The King, represented by the Governor-General
- Acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
- Executive — Cabinet led by the Prime Minister
- Collectively responsible to the House of Representatives.
- Legislative — Parliament
- House of Representatives (63 elected) and Senate (21 appointed).
- Judicial — Court of Appeal and Supreme Court
- Judges appointed on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission.
How legislation is made
Bills are introduced in either House, though money bills must start in the House of Representatives. After three readings in each House the Governor-General assents. The Senate can delay but not ultimately block an ordinary bill. Entrenched constitutional provisions need two-thirds of both Houses, and specially entrenched provisions additionally need approval by referendum.
Enforcement institutions
- Jamaica Constabulary Force
- National police service; subject to oversight by INDECOM.
- Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM)
- Investigates killings and abuse by state agents; reports to Parliament.
- Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
- Constitutionally independent; conducts indictable prosecutions.
- Office of the Political Ombudsman and Integrity Commission
- The Integrity Commission Act 2017 merged three anti-corruption bodies.
Government bodies and regulators
- executiveMinistry of JusticePolicy and administration for courts, legal aid and law reform.
- independentOffice of the Director of Public ProsecutionsIndependent authority for indictable prosecutions.
- independentIndependent Commission of InvestigationsInvestigates deaths, injuries and abuses involving state agents.
- independentIntegrity CommissionPrevents and investigates corruption in public life.
- independentOffice of the Public DefenderProtects citizens against breaches of constitutional rights and maladministration.
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