The Government in Jamaica

The form of government of Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral parliament consisting of House of the Representative (Lower house) and the Senate (Upper house). The Queen of England (Elizabeth II) is the head of the state and on the advice of the Prime Minister (Bruce Golding) appoints a Governor General (Kenneth Hall) to be her representative in Jamaica. Neither the queen nor the Governor General has the authority in conducting the administration of the country. The Privy Council of Jamaica consists of 6 members who are appointed by the Governor general after consulting to the Prime Minister.

The maximum tenure of Parliament is 5 years however it can be dissolved at any time and names a date for election. Senate usually functions as a review chamber considering bills padded by the House of Representative. Most bills are initiated in the House of Representative. It also has the control over the government finances. The leader of the Lower House is responsible for the direction of business in the House. Any Commonwealth citizen 21 years or older who has been residing in Jamaica for the 12 months preceding an election may become a member of the House of Representative. The cabinet is the centre of the system of the government. It initiates programs, and is responsible for the general direction and control of the government.

The budget debate is opened by the Minister of Finance who outlines how the various programs and policies of the government will be financed and how the money will be raised. Other speakers by convention include: the Prime minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the opposition spokesman on finance, ministers selected by the government and selected opposition spokesperson. Ministers of government and all Members of the parliament who did not contribute to the Budget debate are expected to make their presentations in Sectoral debate.