Part 1 — Lessons (26)
1. How Jamaica is Governed
Jamaica is run by a government that the people choose by voting in elections.
The Prime Minister is the head of the government. Laws are made in Parliament.
Citizens have rights (like the right to an education) and responsibilities (like obeying the law and caring for the community).
2. Jamaica's Three Historic Counties
Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey
Jamaica's three counties were created during British rule to help govern the island. Although they no longer have administrative power, they are still used as geographical reference points.
Cornwall covers the western parishes. Middlesex covers the centre. Surrey covers the east, including Kingston.A useful memory aid: going west to east across Jamaica is like going from Cornwall to Middlesex to Surrey — names borrowed from English counties.
3. The Government of Jamaica
Jamaica is a democracy — the people choose their leaders by voting.
The Prime Minister leads the government. Members of Parliament (MPs) make laws in Parliament. The country is divided into areas called constituencies, each with its own MP.
4. Rights and Responsibilities
Every citizen has rights and responsibilities.
Rights include the right to an education, to be safe, and to be treated fairly.
Responsibilities include obeying the law, respecting others, and caring for the community and environment.
5. Physical Features of Jamaica
Jamaica's land has mountains, plains, rivers and coasts.
The Blue Mountains in the east include Blue Mountain Peak, the highest point (about 2,256 m). The Black River is one of our longest rivers. Wide plains, like those in Westmoreland, are good for farming.