position to give the exact number of such unions. Common-law couples were not entitled to the same rights as those who were legally married but, because of the Status of Children Actt children born of connnon-law unions, and indeed illegitimate chilren, had the same rights as those conceived within legal marriages. As for adopted childrent the law gave them the same rights as non-adopted chilren. 23. Polygamy and consanguineous marriages were prohibited. Marriage was banned between ascendants and descendants in direct line and persons related by marriage in the same line andt collaterallyt between brother and sister and between persons related by marriage to the same degree. It was also forbidden for an uncle to marry his niece and an aunt to marry her nephew. E/C.12/1990/SR.12 page 4 24. Marriages were annulled by the Supreme Court of Jamaica. There was only one growid for divorce: the marriage must have irretrievably broken down and the couple must have lived apart for at least a year. If the Committee so wished, the Jamaican delegation would provide information on divorce rates at a later date. 25. The Civil Marriage Act applied to everyone and the wedding had to be celebrated before a marriage officer. 26. Turning to a group of questions on labour relations and the right to collective bargaining, he said that Jamaica had not ratified !LO Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention No. 151, but pointed out that article 23 of the Constitution expressly gave workers the right to be represented by wiions. He admitted that the right was accompanied by some restrictions in the case of public servants, particularly members of the police and defence forces, but, in practi~e, they were free to negotiate with the Government on their working conditions or wages through various organizations such as the 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be discussing the laws and regulations of Jamaica, specifically related to marriage, family, and labor relations. It provides information on the rights and restrictions of common-law couples, adopted children, and workers, as well as the procedures for annulment and divorce. The text does not seem to be related to economic development, natural resources, agriculture, industry, transport, international trade, health, education, humanitarian aid, culture, or science and technology.

**Category**
Employment, Human rights