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MESSAGE FROM
THE MOST HON. PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER
PRIME MINISTER
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT MANUAL
I welcome the publication of this Development and Investment Manual, which provides
expanded and vital information for both those undertaking development projects as well
as those interested in investing in Jamaica.
The publication also serves as a welcome guide for persons called upon to assist the
public with information on development and investment matters.
As a country, Jamaicas economic potential remains largely untapped with significant
opportunities for investment and development. Our talented and skilled workforce, our
proximity to the worlds largest market, and diverse resource base, all combine to make
Jamaica an ideally suited location for a range of investment and development projects.
It is through maximizing such development and investment opportunities on such a
sustained basis that Jamaica stands the best chance of realizing this potential, which is
necessary in our efforts to achieve poverty alleviation and overall improvement in the
quality of our people.
With notable investment successes, along with our improved competitiveness and
business facilitation rankings, this publication will definitely complement our development
and investment process. It is a further demonstration of our commitment to the fact that
Jamaica is ready and open for business, investment and development.
Let me add my own appreciation to the interdisciplinary team responsible for preparing
this publication, and to the agencies such as the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, USAID,
CIDA and the many members of the government and private sector, for their valuable
assistance.
I am confident that positive and sustainable development projects and investment
decisions will flow from its constructive use.
Portia Simpson Miller
Prime Minister
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MESSAGE FROM THE JAMAICA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
It is clear that in environments where the process of doing business is transparent
to all players, the prospects for growth and expansion are multiplied. In the
absence of such, when the processes are opaque or are understood by only a few,
growth prospects are correspondingly retarded.
It was with this realization in mind that the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, in
response to the expressed needs of our membership and the wider business
community, and in partnership with the Government of Jamaica and the United
States Agency for International Development, took the decision to invest
considerable time and resources in the development of this Development &
Investment Manual. By bringing together in one place all the statutory and
regulatory information that is required for a range of development approvals, the
private and public sectors will be able to plan with a greater degree of certainty.
The putting together of this manual has been a long process, one that has at times
reflected the complexities facing firms seeking to unearth information for use in
their planning process. Nonetheless, the project has been characterized by a high
degree of cooperation between all the players, in turn, a demonstration of the type
of joint approach that must characterize the efforts to expand the nations
economy. Both USAID and the GOJ deserve the highest commendation for seeing
the implications of making this information easily accessible to all. So too must the
many business persons who, in early consultations, drew attention to the
opportunities lost or delayed through its absence. The JCCs Legs & Regs
Committee played a major role in representing these views in the tri-partite
process of consultation.
As important as is this manual, the JCC nonetheless acknowledges that a necessary
second stage lies ahead: the thorough review of the processes outlined therein to
ensure that all redundancies and duplications, as well as outdated or irrelevant
procedures are excised, and that business-friendly procedures are put in their
stead.We look forward to working alongside our trusted partners in effecting this
phase in the near future.
Jamaica Chamber of Commerce
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DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT MANUAL
BACKGROUND
In August 1973, A Manual for Development was published as a provisional
document, with assistance under a United Nations Development Programme. In
October, 1982 a second document A Manual for Development was published by
the Town Planning Department after extensive work by the Town and Country
Planning Authority and inputs from various agencies. In 1992 a draft of a more
elaborate document, a precursor of this manual was prepared but was never
published. In 2001 the then Prime Minister the Most Honourable P. J. Patterson
instructed that the Manual be prepared. In 2005 it was decided that new Sections
providing guidance to persons and companies wishing to invest in Jamaica should
be included.
CONTENTS
This Manual seeks to revise and update the previous Manuals. In addition further
significant information is now included on other aspects of development, as well as
information pertinent to investors which was not dealt with in the previous
documents. This Manual sets out development standards, guidelines and
procedures for various development activities, such as subdivision of land, mining,
tourism, agriculture and environmental matters. Some of these standards may not
now be legally required. Information on fees as well as copies of relevant forms,
addresses and other contact information on various government organizations are
also included. Different criteria for the design and implementation of infrastructure
and amenities have been included for the first time. Changes necessitated by the
countrys conversion to the metric system in 1992, have been incorporated. The
Manual consists of seven (7) Volumes.
Volume 1 on Planning and Development matters with 8 Sections.
Volume 2 on Environment with 2 Sections.
Volume 3 on Infrastructure, Utilities and Communications with eleven (11)
Sections. Sections 8 and 10 will be published at a later date.
Volume 4 on the Hospitality Industry and Security with two (2) Sections.
Section two (2) on Security will be published at a later date.
Volume 5 on Social Infrastructure and Waste Disposal with seven (8)
Sections. Section 3 on Community Development will be published
at a later date.
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Volume 6 on Business Facilitation with fourteen (14) Sections
Volume 7 on Finance with ten (10) Sections.
PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
The areas included in this Manual are the responsibility of various Ministers of
Government and are dealt with under several accepted Policies, Acts and
Regulations and administered by a number of Ministries, Agencies, Statutory
Boards, etc. The Cabinet Office is therefore issuing this Manual on behalf of the
Government of Jamaica, its several Government Ministries and agencies in order
to provide guidelines, procedures, and standards, etc for a variety of development
and investment activities. This Manual replaces all other previous Manuals and is
intended to guide developers, professionals, government officials and other
persons requiring information on development matters as they relate to planning,
environment, infrastructure, utilities, mining, tourism and other development
activities and standards.The Manual has been expanded to include several types of
information relevant to persons and companies wishing to undertake investment
in Jamaica.
Building codes are not dealt with in this document.A new Building Code and a new
draft National Building Act are being finalized.These documents when published
will provide the rules, guidelines and standards for building in Jamaica.
OBJECTIVES
The issuance of this Manual is part of a major programme to improve the
knowledge of the public and private sectors on the areas which are covered.The
information included is what presently obtains.
It is recognized that
improvements must be made in many areas, laws and regulations need amending
and in some instances major revisions or new laws and regulations are required.
This publication marks therefore the beginning of the work that must be continued
to ensure the use of improved technology, levels of efficiency and modernization
considered necessary by Government and civil society.
FUTURE PLANS
The Manual is a work in progress and is published in a loose leaf format and
digitally so that changes and additions can be made easily. It is expected that other
Sections will be added to some of the Volumes and as stated previously
improvements will also be made after further discussions and study or as a result
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of new or amended laws and regulations.
It is expected that there will be some improvement in the Development Approval
Process with the publication and use of this Manual. The preparation of
Development Plans and Orders at various levels and the continued development
of Governments National Spatial Data Infrastructure/Networked Geographic
Information Systems, would also result in vast improvements. The Government of
Jamaica welcomes comments and/or suggestions for improvement on the
information, procedures, processes, guidelines, etc. set out in the Manual. Formal
arrangements will be made to discuss various aspects of the contents of this
Manual with relevant groups.
Thanks to the many persons, agencies, funding sources, etc. whose contributions
ensured the publication of this Manual
Jacqueline daCosta, CD (Mrs.)
Carlton Davis, O.J., C.D., Ph.D
Coordinator Special Programmes and Projects
Cabinet Office
Cabinet Secretary
Cabinet Office
Contact Information
Cabinet Office
1 Devon Road
Kingston 6
Tel: 927 4101-2 / 927 9941-3
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Government of Jamaica wishes to thank the following persons and
organizations who assisted with the organization, preparation, typing, editing, and
collating of this Development and Investment Manual:
The Most Honourable P. J. Patterson, former Prime Minister who directed that this
Manual be prepared and gave it his full support.
Dr. the Honourable Carlton Davis, Cabinet Secretary for guidance and the critical
follow up of various agencies and persons to undertake and finalize sections of the
Manual.
Mrs. Jacqueline daCosta of the Cabinet Office, who was given the responsibility for
managing the whole process, to ensure the preparation and publication of this
Manual and also for being its Technical Editor.
The staff of all the relevant Government Ministries and Agencies and Private
Sector Organizations (e.g. Jamaica Public Service Company), who prepared the
various Sections of the Development and Investment Manual.Thanks also to those
who organized internal and public discussions on their Sections in order to finalize
their contributions (please see list of contributors attached).
USAID through its funding of the Legislation, Regulation Programme and Process
Improvement Project organized and managed by the Jamaica Chamber of
Commerce. Through this Programme the USAID and the Jamaica Chamber of
Commerce were also able to support the contracting of consultants for the
preparation of some aspects of Sections 1 and 2 of the Manual.
The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce for their interest, financial help partly through
the USAID Legislation and Regulation Programme and other professional
voluntary support. Special thanks to Past Presidents, Messrs. Noel daCosta and
Anthony Chang, Treasurer Mrs. Elizabeth Hartley, Former Managing Director
Trevor Fearon and other members of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce for their
support.
The Environmental Action Programme (ENACT) funded by the Canadian
International Development Agency (CIDA) for providing funding for the
preparation and review and initial editorial support for aspects of the Planning and
Environment Sections of the Manual.
The Pan American Health Organization of Jamaica (PAHO) for assisting with the
preparation and review of Sections 4,Volume 3 of the Manual. Special thanks to
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Dr. Homero Silva, PAHO Consultant Mrs. Ana Solis-Ortego Treasure,
Environmental Health Advisor and Dr. Ernest Pate,WHO/PAHO representative in
Jamaica.
Messrs.Andrew Foreman and Christopher Burgess, Consulting Engineers for their
voluntary contribution in reviewing Section 4 Volume 3,Wastewater Treatment and
Excreta Management
Mrs. Ethlyn Norton-Coke, Tax Consultant, for her voluntary contribution in
reviewing Section 4 Volume 7,Taxation.
Ms. Joyce Chang for coordinating the preparation of the Manual, reviewing
contributions and editing the documents. Special thanks also for the time she gave
on a voluntary basis to this effort
Miss Nadine Longmore for organizing matters pertaining to the Manual and also
assisting in compiling the Manual while she served as the Project Coordinator in
the Legs and Regs Project of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to her
also for her voluntary input to ensure the completion of this document.
Thanks to Pear Tree Press for their patience in dealing with matters pertaining to
the printing and collating of this Manual.
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LIST OF ORGANISATIONS WHO CONTRIBUTED SECTIONS
FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND
INVESTMENT MANUAL
National Environment and Planning Agency
Jamaica Bauxite Institute
Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
Mines and Geology Division
Meteorological Services
National Land Agency
Ministry of Local Government and Environment /Ministry of Local Government
Community Development and Sports
Jamaica National Heritage Trust
Water Resources Authority
Pesticides Control Authority
National Water Commission
Ministry of Health - Environmental Health Unit
National Irrigation Commission
Jamaica Customs
Jamaica Public Service Co. Ltd.
Spectrum Management Authority
Immigration Citizenship and Passport Services
Broadcasting Commission
Office of the Prime Minister
Post and Telecommunications Department
Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture / Ministry of Industry and Tourism
Tourism Product Development Company
Ministry of Education Youth and Culture/Ministry of Education and Youth
HEART Trust/NTA
National Solid Waste Management Authority
Ministry of Local Government and Environment /Ministry of Land and Environment
Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO)/ Jamaica Trade and Invest
Factories Corporation of Jamaica
Urban Development Corporation
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
Bureau of Standards
Ministry of Labour Social Security and Welfare
National Works Agency
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Ministry of Water and Housing
Department of Co-operative and Friendly Societies
Companies Office of Jamaica
National Housing Trust
Development Bank of Jamaica
Micro Investment Development Agency
National Insurance Scheme
Real Estate Board
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DISCLAIMER
The Development and Investment Manual is not a legal document although it
includes matters which are dealt with under several laws. It is intended to offer
guidance to the professionals, business people, companies and individuals who are
interested in undertaking various types of development or who wish to invest or
carry out business in Jamaica.The Manual is of a general nature and is not designed
to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual or entity.
Conformity to what is contained in these documents, does not exempt any
developer or investor from any legal obligations or requirements under any Act/s
or related regulation pertaining to any matter dealt with in this manual. Although
the greatest effort has been made to ensure conformity with these Acts, accuracy
and currency cannot be guaranteed as legislation and related regulations may be
amended from time to time.Where doubt exists, professional and/or legal advice
should be sought, or the law/s and relevant Regulation/s should be examined.The
respective Government Organisation/s may also be contacted for specific or more
detailed information.
It should be noted that although decisions on planning, development,
environmental applications and other matters will conform closely to the
guidelines set out in the document, each decision will depend on the
circumstances of the particular case and each application will therefore be
examined and dealt with on its own merit.
The Government of Jamaica, through its various Ministries/Agencies involved in
the preparation of this document, accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever
with regards to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this
manual, or for any problems which may be incurred as a result of using any website
which incorporates any information in the Development and Investment Manual.
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COPYRIGHT
This Development and Investment Manual and any materials produced for and by the
Office of the Cabinet are the property of the Office of the Cabinet and relevant
Government entities whose work appear in the document/s, and are for the free use
and benefit of Jamaican Public Sector entities and the public. It is not to be used for
monetary profit or gain by individuals, consultants, private organisations or non-Jamaican
Government entities.
Copyright 2007 Office of the Cabinet, Government of Jamaica. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in
writing from the Cabinet Secretary or the appropriate government entity.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME 1
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Planning & Development
Development on Bauxite Lands
Hazard Mitigation
Mining and Quarrying
Meteorological and Climatology Data
National Land Agency - Services
Advertising Sign Guidelines
Restoration of Historic Districts and Towns
VOLUME 2
ENVIRONMENT
Section 1
Section 2
Environment
Guidelines for Conducting Impact Assessments and Public
Hearings
VOLUME 3
INFRASTRUCTURE, UTILITIES AND COMMUNICATION
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Roads, Infrastructure, Drainage and Traffic Management
Drilling of Wells and Management of Water Resources in Jamaica
Water and Sewage Services by the National Water Commission
Minimum requirements for Waste Water Treatment Systems
and Excreta Management
Irrigation Services
Electricity Services - Guide for Developers and Investors
Celluar Services (to be included at a future date)
Telephone Services (to be included at a future date)
Broadcast and Subscriber Television (Cable) Licences
Wireless Telecommunication
Postal Services offered in Jamaica
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VOLUME 4
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND SECURITY
Section 1
Section 2
Tourism
Security (to be included at a future date)
VOLUME 5
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCUTURE AND WASTE DISPOSAL
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
1
2
3
4
5
Section 6
Section 7
Section 8
Standards for Educational Institutions
Vocational Education and Training
Community Services (to be included at a future date)
Community and Private Health Facilities
Approval process for Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, Medical
Devices, Precursor Chemicals and Narcotics
Solid Waste Disposal in Jamaica
Management of Ship Generated, Medical and Hazardous Wastes
Policy and Procedures of the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica - For
the Registrationof Pharmaceutical students, Pharmacists,
Pharmacy Owners and Shops/Pharmacies
VOLUME 6
BUSINESS FACILITATION
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
Section
Section
Section
Section
5
6
7
8
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
9
10
11
12
13
14
Jamaica Investment and Promotion Agency/JAMPRO
Leasing of Factory Space
Bauxite Lands Sale/Lease - use of Pre-mined and Mined out Lands
Sale/Lease of Government Lands and Government Land
Settlement
Divestment of UDC Lands
Agriculture
Standards Requirements of the Bureau of Standards
Industrial/Labour Relations [Conciliation outreach, Pay and
Condition of Service
Work Permits and Exemptions
The Labour Market Information System
Industrial Safety Requirements (Factory Inspection)
Immigration Requirements
Customs - Tax payers Assistance and Information
Pesticides Management in Jamaica - Pesticides Regulation
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VOLUME 7
FINANCE
Section 1
Public/Private Partnership for Housing Development
Section 2
Cooperatives, Friendly Societies
Section 3(a) Registration of Companies- Customer Guidelines based on
Companies Act 2004
Section 3(b) Industrial and Provident Societies
Section 4
Jamaicas Taxation Requirements and Procedures
Section 5
Construction Finance for Housing Projects - National
Housing Trust
Section 6
Development Bank of Jamaica
Section 7
Loans for small business or Micro Investments
Section 8
National Peoples Cooperative Banks
Section 9
Social Security - National Insurance Scheme
Section 10 Responsibilities of Real Estate Developers
