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Local Democracy
Participate in your local government! Know your rights and
responsibilities!
"The structures of governance now in
place represent the old order. In essence, the foundation of
society, the people, has been transformed at a much more rapid rate
than the institutional and structural features of the society. The
new more informed Jamaican, is more demanding than ever to be
involved in a meaningful way in shaping his or her destiny."
- Prime Minister P.J. Patterson
Local government should be the authority closest and most
accessible to the people. We aim through this website to help you
locate and negotiate our services and information.
The Saint James Parish Council is pursuing an open and
accountable local government process, and we encourage all citizens
to participate. Initiatives include:
- The broadcasting of monthly Council meetings
- Establishment of a toll-free number 1-888-666-8346 for callers
to seek information, express concerns, and to make
recommendations and suggestions regarding matters pertaining to
Council.
- An annual series of Community Forums in all divisions. Members
of the public are invited to these meetings attended by
Councillors, the mayor and senior staff from all departments.
- Development of the parish website
- Production of a series of brochures outlining general and
departmental Parish Council services (coming soon)
- We also encourage all Citizens Associations, Community
Development Committees, NGOs, etc. to invite us to their
meetings so that we can inform and be informed of community
happenings.
The proposed Montego Bay City Council is a part of Local
Government Reform. This body is to address urban concerns and will
function as a standing committee of Council until the achievement of
full Municipal Status.
The Ministry
of Local Government & Community Development is reviewing
the roles and responsibilities of the Parish Council system – click
here to read about the proposals. The present minister is
Hon. Arnold Bertram, and he can be contacted at abmlg@cwjamaica.com.
We encourage all citizens to read the posted documents and to be a
part of informed debate.
| Saint
James Quick Facts: |
| Capital: |
Montego Bay |
| Major Urban Centres: |
Cambridge, Adelphi |
| Size: |
595 km2 |
| Population: |
178,000 (1999) |
| Average Annual Growth: |
2.05% (1982 – 1991) |
| Labour Force: |
63,600 (1997) |
If you don't see what you're looking for, search
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