The majority of Members of Parliament are affiliated with a political party and are anticipated to play a role in shaping and revising the policies of their party. At the commencement of each parliamentary session week, Members of Parliament, excluding those who are Independent, are required to participate in their designated party meetings where they will:
St. Andrew holds the distinction of being one of the earliest parishes formally established by legislation in the year 1867. Prior to its official designation, the area was referred to as Liguanea. Within the boundaries of St. Andrew, several key commercial hubs have emerged, including Cross Roads, New Kingston, Half-Way-Tree, Matilda’s Corner, and Constant Spring, all of which play a significant role in the economic landscape of the parish.
Saint Andrew, known in Jamaican Patois as Sint Anju, is a parish located in the southeastern region of Jamaica, within the county of Surrey. This parish is bordered to the north, west, and east by the capital city of Kingston and extends into the picturesque Blue Mountains, offering a diverse landscape that includes both urban and mountainous terrains. According to the census conducted in 2011, Saint Andrew had a population of 573,369 residents, making it the most populous parish in Jamaica, a distinction that highlights its significance within the island’s demographic and cultural framework.
George William Gordon (d. 1865), recognized as one of Jamaica’s seven National Heroes, was born in this parish.
The area is rich in attractions, historical landmarks, notable inhabitants, and serves as the financial hub of the nation.
The parish boasts a vibrant musical heritage, featuring a variety of renowned artists and emerging genres of Jamaican music. Located in Saint Andrew, the Studio One studio, established by Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, has played a pivotal role in this tradition. Notable contemporary musicians residing in the parish include Mavado, Sean Paul, Buju Banton, Elephant Man, The Mighty Diamonds, Monty Alexander, Beres Hammond, Lady Saw, Sugar Minott, Bounty Killer, Mr. Vegas, and Richie Spice.
Trenchtown gained prominence due to its notable residents, including The Wailers—Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, and Bob Marley—as well as Toots Hibbert, a pioneer of reggae music. Similarly, Waterhouse has produced a wealth of musical talent, featuring artists such as Keith Hudson, King Tubby, U Roy, Sir Jammy, Black Uhuru, Dennis “Senitor” Allen, Early B, Super Cat, Shabba, and Beenie Man. Additionally, it is the residence of Olympic gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
Devon House, constructed in 1881 by George Stiebel, who was Jamaica’s first black millionaire, stands as a significant historical site. Stiebel amassed his fortune in Venezuela before returning to Jamaica, where he was later appointed Custos of Saint Andrew, a prestigious civic role. The residence has been meticulously restored and now functions as a house museum, welcoming the public for tours and special events. Among its attractions is a popular ice cream shop that offers Devon House ice cream.
The Hope Estate, established in the 17th century, now encompasses Hope Gardens, which is recognized as one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere. The estate is also home to the University of the West Indies, which utilizes several of the historic structures on the property. Additionally, a portion of the navigable aqueduct remains preserved.
Vale Royal, the official residence of the Prime Minister, along with King’s House, the residence of the Governor General, are important historical structures.
Norbrook was formerly the plantation of George William Gordon. The Bob Marley Museum is situated in a mansion on Hope Road that was previously owned by businessman Chris Blackwell and is currently available for guided tours.
A significant portion of the parish is dedicated to agricultural activities, with key products such as coffee, mangoes, cocoa, peas, beans, sugarcane, livestock, dairy products, cigars, cigarettes, vegetables, and root crops. In an effort to promote the relocation of industrial facilities from Kingston’s commercial zones and to support the creation of new industries backed by both local and foreign investment, the government has developed an industrial estate in St. Andrew, adjacent to Western Kingston. This estate spans more than 1.2 square kilometers (300 acres).
Tourism significantly contributes to the economic landscape of the parish. Prominent hotels are located along Knutsford Boulevard, commonly referred to as The Strip, in this southeastern region of the country. New Kingston is recognized as the financial hub of the island, housing major banks and investment firms. The commercial districts, featuring numerous malls, plazas, and retail outlets, offer substantial employment opportunities for residents in the urban areas of the parish. Additionally, gypsum is abundantly available in eastern St. Andrew, with the most substantial deposits situated in Bull Bay, approximately one and a half miles from the coast.
Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) was founded in 1978 in Washington, D.C., by a coalition of dedicated parliamentarians from various countries who recognized the necessity for unified and strategic efforts to tackle global challenges that individual governments or parliaments could not effectively resolve in isolation. Established during the tense geopolitical climate of the Cold War, the organization initially concentrated on rallying parliamentarians across the globe to advocate for nuclear disarmament, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative international action in addressing pressing security issues.
The operations of the PGA are guided by the political oversight of the Executive Committee and the International Council, while receiving both technical and legal support from the Secretariat. This Secretariat is headquartered in New York and also maintains an office in The Hague, facilitating its functions and enhancing its capacity to serve the organization’s objectives effectively.
Our organization receives additional support from two advisory entities: the United Nations Advisory Committee for the President of the General Assembly and the Development Advisory Committee.
The Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Group for the Alliance (PGA) is composed of 15 parliamentarians who are elected by the International Council, adhering to a gender ratio of 40:60. This committee convenes biannually and holds significant responsibilities, including the oversight of policy and fiduciary matters, as well as the endorsement of PGA’s strategic plan.
Each contribution, regardless of its size, is crucial to our efforts in tackling the challenges encountered in St. Andrew South Western.
ASSIST ANGELA BROWN BURKE IN ENHANCING THE ST. ANDREW SOUTH WESTERN COMMUNITY
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Before God and all mankind, I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, the wisdom and courage of my mind, the strength and vigour of my body in the service of my fellow citizens; I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.