Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/orig BACKGR/BNOT0057.TXT

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National Trade Data Bank
ITEM ID     : ST BNOTES JAMAICA
DATE        : Oct 28, 1994

AGENCY      : U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
PROGRAM     : BACKGROUND NOTES
TITLE       : Background Notes - JAMAICA

Source key      : ST
Program key     : ST BNOTES
Update sched.   : Occasionally
Data type       : TEXT
End year        : 1992
Date of record  : 19941018
Keywords 3      :
Keywords 3      : | JAMAICA

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
BACKGROUND NOTES:  JAMAICA

OFFICIAL NAME:  JAMAICA


PROFILE
Geography
Area: 10,991 sq. km. (4,244 sq. mi.). Cities: Capital-Kingston (pop.
566,200). Other cities-Montego Bay (75,870), Spanish Town
(109,960). Terrain: Mountainous. Climate: Tropical.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective-Jamaican(s). Population (1988 est.):
2.4 million. Annual growth rate (1975-85): 1.1%. Ethnic groups:
African 76.3%, Afro-European 15.1%, Chinese and Afro-Chinese
1.2%, East Indian and Afro-East Indian 3.4%, European 3.2%, other
0.9%. Religions: Anglican, Baptist and other Protestant, Roman
Catholic. Languages: English, Creole. Education: Years
compulsory-to age 14. Literacy (age 15 and over)-82%. Health: Infant
mortality rate-25.0/1,000. Life expectancy-73 yrs. Work force
(855,100, 1987): Industry-41%. Agriculture-31%. Services-27%.
Other-1%.


Government
Type: Constitutional monarchy. Independence: August 6, 1962.
Constitution: August 6, 1962.

Branches: Executive-governor general (chief of state, representing
British monarch), prime minister, cabinet. Legislative-bicameral
parliament (21 senators, 60 representatives). Judicial-Court of Appeal
and courts of original jurisdiction.

Subdivisions: 14 parishes.

Political parties: People's National Party (PNP), Jamaica Labor Party
(JLP). Suffrage: Universal over 18.

Central government revenue (1988-89 est.): $1.07 billion (J$5.9
billion).
Defense (FY 1988-89 est.): 0.8% of GDP.

Flag: Intersecting golden diagonal stripes form a saltire dividing the
flag into four triangles. The top and bottom triangles are green, and
the left and right are black.

Economy
GDP (1987): $2.86 billion (J$15.72 billion). Real growth rate (1987):
5.2%. Per capita income (1987): $1,018 (J$5,602). Avg. inflation rate
(1987): 6.7%.

Natural resources: Bauxite, gypsum, limestone.

Agriculture: Products-sugar, bananas, citrus fruits, coffee, pimiento,
allspice, coconuts.

Industry: Types-bauxite and alumina, garments, processed foods,
sugar, rum, molasses, cement, metal, paper, chemical products,
tourism.

Trade (1987): Exports-$708.4 million: alumina, bauxite, sugar,
bananas, garments, citrus fruits and products, rum, cocoa. Major
markets-U.S. 37%, U.K. 18%, Canada 14%, U.S.S.R. 4%, CARICOM
6%. Imports-$1.2 billion: machinery, transportation and electrical
equipment, food, fuels, fertilizer. Major suppliers-U.S. 48%, U.K. 7%,
Canada 6%, CARICOM 5%, Japan 4%, Venezuela 4%.
Official exchange rate: The exchange rate is adjusted twice weekly
based on supply and demand of foreign exchange by the Bank of
Jamaica.  Since Nov. 1985, the exchange rate has stabilized at
roughly J$5.50=U.S.$1.

Economic and development assistance received: U.S. aid-$74 million
(FY 1988).  International Monetary Fund-SDR82 million (for 14-month
period beginning Sept. 1988).  Multilateral organizations (1987)-$127
million.  Bilateral countries (1987)-$129 million.


Membership in International Organizations
UN and some of its specialized and related agencies, including the
World Bank, General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT);
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); Organization of American
States (OAS); Group of 77; Nonaligned Movement; Commonwealth;
Caribbean Development Bank (CDB); European Economic
Community (EEC)-access under the Lome Convention; Caribbean
Community and Common Market (CARICOM); International Bauxite
Association (IBA); INTELSAT; and CARIBCAN.

GEOGRAPHY
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. Mountains cover
about 80% of its surface. The highest, Blue Mountain, is 2,221
meters (7,402 ft.). The climate is humid and tropical most of the year,
but temperatures from November to March are cooler, particularly
along the north shore, where the range is 21 0C-270 C (70 0F-80
0F). Rainfall is seasonal, with striking regional variations. Some
northern regions receive up to 506 centimeters (200 in.) a year; the
southern and southwestern plains receive much less. The annual
average rainfall is 196 centimeters (77 in.). In September 1988,
Hurricane Gilbert, one of the century's most powerful Caribbean
storms, hit Jamaica. The storm affected the entire island and caused
widespread damage to crops, vegetation, coastal properties, utilities,
and roofs.


PEOPLE
Jamaica is a multiracial society made up of people who primarily are
of African origin, along with other diverse groups. Traditionally,
Jamaica has enjoyed harmonious racial and cultural relations. Its
national motto, "Out of many, one people," suggests this desire for
harmony. Class distinctions from the colonial period are being
reduced as social mobility increases through education and greater
opportunities for property ownership.

Religion plays an important part in the life of most Jamaicans. The
Anglican Church is the largest of the established churches, followed
by many Baptist sects, the Roman Catholic, and the Methodist.
Evangelical and revivalist sects are popular. Jamaica has several
Muslim and Hindu groups, along with a small Jewish community.
Rastafarians, who see former Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie as
the embodiment of God ("Jah"), although small in number, have
played a significant role in the development of Jamaican culture.

Education is free and compulsory to age 14. Schools are organized
into three categories-primary (ages 6-12), junior secondary (12-15),
and senior secondary (15-19).

Historically, emigration by Jamaicans has been heavy. Since the
United Kingdom restricted emigration in 1967, the major flow has
been to the United States and Canada. About 18,000 Jamaicans
enter the United States and 3,000 enter Canada each year in
immigrant status. In addition, about 100,000 visit the United States
yearly. New York, Miami, Chicago, and Hartford are among U.S.
cities with significant Jamaican populations.

A vigorous arts and cultural movement, which began in the 1930s
and 1940s, has continued to develop in Jamaica under active
governmental and private sponsorship. Jamaican writers, artists, and
performers are engaged in a search through the nation's ethnic
origins, especially African, for a cultural identity and expression
suitable for their multiracial society.


HISTORY
Jamaica was discovered in 1494 by Christopher Columbus and
settled by the Spanish during the early 16th century. In 1655, British
forces seized the island, and in 1670 Great Britain gained formal
possession through the Treaty of Madrid.

Sugar and slavery, important elements in Jamaica's history and
development, made Jamaica one of the most valuable possessions
in the world for more than 150 years. Slavery was ended in 1838,
some years before emancipation in most other parts of the New
World.

After a long period of direct British colonial rule, Jamaica gained
some local political control in the late 1930s. During this period,
which was marked by social unrest and occasional violence, the
groundwork was laid for Jamaica's major political parties, led by
Norman Washington Manley (People's National Party-PNP) and his
cousin, Sir Alexander Bustamante (Jamaica Labor Party-JLP).
Jamaica's first election with adult suffrage was held in 1944, and the
JLP formed the first government. Since then, the two parties have
alternated in power, with each serving two terms at a time.

In 1958, Jamaica joined nine other British territories in the West
Indies Federation but withdrew when, in a 1961 referendum,
Jamaican voters rejected membership. Jamaica gained
independence from the United Kingdom in 1962 but has remained a
member of the Commonwealth.


GOVERNMENT
The 1962 constitution established a parliamentary system based on
the British model. As chief of state, Queen Elizabeth II appoints a
governor general, on the advice of a prime minister, as her
representative in Jamaica. The governor general's role is largely
ceremonial. Executive power is vested in the cabinet, led by the
prime minister.
Parliament is composed of an appointed Senate and an elected
House of Representatives. Thirteen Senate members are nominated
on the advice of the prime minister and eight on the advice of the
leader of the opposition. House elections are held at the discretion
of the governor general on the advice of the prime minister, at 5-year
intervals. The Senate may submit bills, and it also reviews legislation
submitted by the House. It cannot delay money bills for more than
1 month or other bills for more than 7 months.

The prime minister and the cabinet are selected from the parliament.
Not less than two nor more than four members of the cabinet must
be selected from the Senate.

The judiciary is modeled on the British system. The Court of Appeal
is the highest appellate court in Jamaica. Under certain
circumstances, cases may be appealed to the Privy Council of the
United Kingdom.

Jamaica's parishes have elected councils that exercise limited
powers of local government.


Principal Government Officials
Governor General-Sir Florizel Glasspole
Prime Minister and Minister of Defense-Michael Manley
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development, Planning and
Production-P.J. Patterson
Ministers
Finance and the Public Service-Seymour Mullings Justice-Carl Rattray
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade-David Coore
National Security-K.D. Knight
Labor, Welfare and Sport-Portia Simpson
Construction-O.D. Ramtallie
Agriculture-Horace Clarke
Public Utilities and Transport-Robert Pickersgill
Local Government-Ralph Brown
Mining and Energy-Hugh Small
Industry and Commerce-Claude Clarke
Education-Carlyle Dunkley
Tourism-Frank Pringle
Youth, Culture and Community Development-Douglas Manley
Health-Easton Douglas
Ministers without Portfolio-Paul Robertson, Kenneth   McNeill
Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of  American
States (OAS)-Keith Johnson
Ambassador to the United Nations-Lloyd Barnett

Jamaica maintains an embassy in the United States at Suite 355,
1850 K Street NW., Washington, D.C. 20008 (tel. [phone]). It
also has consulates in New York, 866 2d Avenue, 2 Hammarskjold
Plaza, New York, NY 10017  (tel: [phone]); and in Miami at
Ingraham Building, Suite 842,
 25 S.E.  2d Avenue, Miami, FL. 33131  (tel. [phone]).


POLITICAL CONDITIONS
The two major political parties are closely linked to the two major
trade unions-the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) with the Bustamante
Industrial Trade Union (BITU) and the People's National Party (PNP)
with the National Workers Union (NWU).

The JLP emphasized the role of the private sector, restructuring of
the economy, reform of government, and the need for foreign private
investment during its most recent term in office (1980-89) under party
leader Edward Seaga. The JLP is affiliated with the International
Democrat Union.

The PNP is a social democratic party. The party, now the
government, pledges to improve social and educational conditions
and to expand the private sector with the help of foreign investment.
It is affiliated with the Socialist International.
Minor political movements do not play a significant role in Jamaican
politics, although the small Communist Workers Party of Jamaica is
affiliated with the expanding University and Allied Workers Union,
now the country's third largest.
In the February 1989 general elections, the PNP won 45 seats, and
the JLP won 15 in the House of Representatives. Major issues in the
campaign included the state of social services, alleged centralization
of decisionmaking under the 1980-89 Seaga government, and the
question of whether change was needed after more than 8 years of
JLP rule. The election marked the
return of a two-party parliament (the PNP boycotted the 1983 general
election because of a dispute over voter registration) and continued
the Jamaican tradition of alternating two-term governments. A
pre-election "peace accord" between the two parties helped minimize
political campaign violence that was significantly reduced from the
high level that characterized the 1980 general election.

Local elections were last held in 1986, when the PNP won a decisive
victory. Jamaican law requires that local elections be held every 3
years.

Jamaica's political system is stable and backed by sound institutions.
However, the country's serious economic problems have
exacerbated social problems and have become the subject of
political debate. Unemployment, averaging 18.2% in 1988, and
shortages of foreign exchange are the most serious economic
problems. Concentration of unemployed people in urban areas has
produced shantytowns, contributing to a high crime rate, especially
in Kingston.

ECONOMY
Jamaica has natural resources, primarily bauxite, and an ideal
climate conducive to agriculture and tourism. Although faced with
some serious problems, the country has the economic base for
growth and modernization.

The Jamaican economy traditionally was based on plantation
agriculture, particularly sugar and bananas. However, the discovery
of bauxite in the 1940s and the subsequent establishment of the
bauxite-alumina industry became the dominant factors in the island's
economic growth. During the 1960s, the expansion of tourism and
establishment of local manufacturing industries were emphasized.
Foreign investment in bauxite and alumina production accelerated,
and by the 1970s Jamaica had emerged as a world leader in exports
of these minerals. Bauxite revenues fueled an economic expansion
that began in 1965 but, in the 1970s, Jamaica's economic good
fortunes were hurt by high oil prices and recessions in the
economies of important trading partners. The Manley government's
imposition of a levy on bauxite production in 1974 was followed by
a decline of more than 25% in output. Foreign investment slowed in
the mid- and late-1970s. By the end of the 1970s, Jamaica's relations
with the International Monetary Fund had likewise deteriorated.

The JLP, led by Edward Seaga, was elected in 1980 on a platform
of economic revitalization, using a private sector and export-oriented
strategy. The Seaga government sought foreign investment to help
diversify the economy and reduce dependence on traditional export
products.

The economy enjoyed positive growth rates in 1987-88, spurred by
buoyancy in the tourist sector and recovery in the bauxite/alumina
industry. Unemployment declined to 18.2%,  and the inflation rate
stabilized at under 10%.
In 1988, Hurricane Gilbert caused a temporary setback to a generally
favorable economic climate. Jamaica has made an impressive
recovery, and the economy appears to be back on a growth track.
The major constraint on Jamaica's economic prospects is a heavy
foreign debt of more than $4 billion.

Current economic policies encourage foreign investment in areas that
earn or save foreign exchange, generate employment, and use local
raw materials. The government provides a wide range of incentives
to investors, including remittance facilities, tax holidays, and duty-free
access for machinery and raw materials imported for approved
enterprises. Free trade zones have stimulated investment in garment
manufacturing, light manufacturing, and data entry by foreign firms.
The "807A" program, which guarantees access in the United States
for garments made in Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) countries from
textiles woven and cut in the United States, has opened new
opportunities for investment and expansion in Jamaica. More than
150 U.S. firms have operations in Jamaica, and total U.S. investment,
including that in bauxite/alumina, is estimated at more than $1 billion.

The American Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1986 to
enhance trade opportunities between Jamaica and the United States,
promote Jamaican exports, attract new U.S. private investment to
Jamaica, and provide Jamaican and American businessmen with a
forum through which to advocate public policies enhancing the
business climate.

Although Jamaica faces a difficult short-term economic situation, the
long-term economic outlook is more promising. Increased tourism,
a revival in the bauxite industry, duty-free trade benefits under the
CBI, Canadian CARIBCAN, and access to the European Economic
Community markets under the Lome Convention are likely to sustain
continued economic progress.


DEFENSE
The Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) was formed in 1962.  Its mission
includes defending the country against aggression and supporting,
as required, the Jamaica Constabulary Force in maintaining law and
order and essential services and protecting the civil population in the
event of a disaster. It also is responsible for coastal surveillance and
air-sea rescue operations. The JDF is a unified, composite military
organization, the major components of which are the 1st, 2d, and 3d
Battalions, the Support and Services Battalion, the Coast Guard, and
the Air Wing. The ground elements are called the Jamaica Regiment,
even though no regimental organization exists. The senior officer is
the chief of staff, a major general who directs operations and is
responsible to the prime minister/defense minister. JDF headquarters
is located at Up Park Camp near the center of Kingston.


FOREIGN RELATIONS
Jamaica is a member of the Commonwealth. Historically, it has had
close ties with Britain, but trade, financial, and cultural relations with
the United States and Canada are now predominant. Regionally,
Jamaica is linked with the other countries of the English-speaking
Caribbean through the Caribbean Common Market. As a member of
the Nonaligned Movement, Jamaica has been active in the councils
of primary-product countries, particularly with regard to their efforts
to receive a better price for their exports in comparison with the
prices of manufactured goods and over the question of Third World
debt. Jamaica is active in the United Nations and in other
international organizations.

Jamaica has diplomatic relations with most nations, and a wide range
of countries and international organizations maintain missions in
Kingston. Under the Seaga government, Jamaica severed diplomatic
relations with Cuba in 1981, charging Cuba with interference in its
internal affairs. The new Manley government has promised to restore
diplomatic ties with Cuba.


U.S.-JAMAICAN RELATIONS
The United States maintains close and productive relations with the
Government of Jamaica. Prime Minister Manley visited Washington
shortly after his return to office in 1989, his first trip abroad as prime
minister. He met with President Bush and other senior U.S.
Government officials. The United States is been strongly supportive
of the Jamaican Government's efforts to revitalize the economy. The
two governments are cooperating closely on narcotics control
measures.

Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador-Glen A. Holden
Deputy Chief of Mission-Stephen Gibson
AID Mission Director-William Joslin
Defense Attache-Ltc. Michael Lowe
Economic Counselor-Dorothy J. Black
Labor Attache-William Schofield
Political Counselor-James P. Mach
Consular Officer-Lois Matteson
Public Affairs Officer-Razvigor Bazala
Peace Corps Director-Margaret Harvey (acting)

The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica is at 2 Oxford Road, Jamaica Mutual
Life Center, Kingston (tel. [phone]). The consular section is at 16
Oxford Road, Kingston (tel. [phone]). The AID Mission is at 6B
Oxford Road, Kingston (tel. [phone]).  The Peace Corps is at 1A
Holborn Road, Kingston (tel. [phone]).


Published by the United States Department of State --  Bureau of
Public Affairs  -- Office of  Public Communication -- Washington,
D.C.-- February 1990 Editor:  Juanita Adams
Department of State Publication 8080 -- Background Notes Series
-- This material is in the public domain and may  be reprinted without
permission; citation of this source is appreciated.

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C.  20402.