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Constitution of the Jamaica Labour Party

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Constitution of the Jamaica Labour Party

Preface to Revised Constitution 1990 Edition

Every social organisation which functioning is in a state of constant change. Likewise, a political organisation. The Party’s Constitution seeks nothing more than to reflect the Party’s organic whole. The Party is a dynamic equilibrium moving through time. In times of rapid change, such change will manifest itself in more frequent amendments to the Constitution. If this were not so, the organization would become fettered and hamstrung; or, otherwise, operate outside the ambit of its constitutional framework.

This edition of the Constitution sees a shift in the base organization of the Party to the Polling Division Agent. The position of Caretaker has been give official recognition and the planning and organizing by the Members of Parliament and Caretakers have been institutionalized, with the establishment of the National Committee. For the first time, also, the Party gives recognition to the creation of the Jamaica Freedom League.

The Prefaces of the previous editions of the Party’s Constitution are of historical interest and should be included in each reprint, as a matter of record. The opportunity has been taken in this edition to rearrange certain sections and to give more headings which, it is hoped, make for a more orderly presentation.

PREFACE TO REVISED CONSTITUTION 1993 EDITION

The 1992 and 1993 amendments to the Constitution reflect the effort of the Party to ensure uniform approaches to the organisation and operation of the Party in each Constituency.

In addition, specific methods of reporting on Party activities have now become a Constitutional obligation.

There are, also, requirements for registration of various Party personnel. These impose a responsibility on leadership at all levels, to carry out their duties in a specific and precise manner, and thereby improve the efficiency of the Party organization.

The Party rank and file have been given a greater say in decision-making specifically in relation to the selection of Candidates for the Party, where they have a direct and major influence.

Preface To Revised Constitution 2000 Edition

RULES

  • PARTY STRUCTURE 2-4
  • ALL-ISLAND GENERAL COUNCIL 5-6
  • OFFICERS OF THE PARTY 6-9
  • FINANCIAL STATEMENT 10
  • CENTRAL EXECUTIVE 10-13
  • NATIONAL COMMITTEES 13-15
  • STANDING COMMITTEE 15-16
  • OPERATIONS COUNCIL 16-17
  • PAYMENT OF FEES 17
  • AREA COUNCIL 17-19
  • CONSTITUENCY COMMITTEE 19-21
  • DIVISIONAL COMMITTEE 24-25
  • SELECTION OF CANDIDATES 25-29
  • REGISTRATION 29-30
  • BRANCHES 31-38
  • MEMBERSHIP 38-41
  • DISCIPLINE 41
  • AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION 42

Regulations

  • POLLING DIVISION COMMITTEES 43
  • DELEGATES TO ALL-ISLAND GENERAL COUNCIL 43-45
  • SELECTION MEETINGS 45
  • AREA COUNCILS 46
  • FEES 47-48
  • NOMINATIONS 48-49
  • RESOLUTIONS 49
  • DEPUTY LEADERS 49-50
  • REPORTS 50
  • AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS 51
  • CONSTITUENCY COORDINATOR 51-52

Constitution of The Jamaica Labour Party

(2000 Edition)

The name of the Organization shall be “THE JAMAICA LABOUR PARTY”.

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the Party shall be:-

  • To foster the principles of true democracy.
  • To provide equal opportunities for all the people of Jamaica.
  • To develop the economic resources of Jamaica and to accomplish this by encouraging individual ownership and initiative subject to regulation and control by Government when necessary for the common good of all the people of the country.
  • To promote and protect the economic and social welfare of all and to foster co-operation among all the people, regardless of colour, race or creed.
  • To instill in the hearts of the people, reverence for God, and respect for lawfully constituted authority.
  • To ensure ad protect the constitutional and fundamental human rights of each individual.
  • To provide good governance for the people of Jamaica.
  • To ensure the protection of the environment.