Newly installed Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says he intends to lead a Government of partnership, as the “solutions to our problems do not rest with the Government alone.”
“To achieve the vision of shared prosperity through inclusive growth and meaningful job creation, now more than ever, Government must lead, activate, empower and build real partnerships,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
“The sum of our potential exceeds our problems; our collective capabilities are greater than our challenges. But it is only through partnership that these capabilities and this potential can be seized, harnessed and realized for the good of Jamaica,” he added.
Mr. Holness was speaking at his inauguration ceremony, at King’s House, on Thursday, March 3, where he was sworn into office by Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.
The Prime Minister said it is with a “deep sense of gratitude, honour and humility” that he took the Oath of Office, “fully conscious of the magnitude of expectations and responsibility I have assumed.”
He pointed out that he is “equally energized and optimistic about a prosperous future for Jamaica.”
“I pledge to serve the people of Jamaica faithfully, with all of my energies, all of my heart, mind and soul,” he added.
Paying tribute to Mrs. Simpson Miller’s stewardship as Prime Minister, Mr. Holness hailed her “long and dedicated service to Jamaica.”
While noting that “we may not have been on the same side of the road,” Mr. Holness suggested that “as much as possible, we should hold hands in cooperation to overcome obstacles for the good of the country.”
Mr. Holness was also invested with the Order of the Nation (ON) by the Chief Justice and Chancellor of the ON, Hon. Justice Zaila McCalla, which formally accords him the title of ‘Most Honourable’.
The Governor-General, in congratulating Mr. Holness, noted that existing and anticipated economic and social challenges “will require strong and decisive leadership” of the new Prime Minister.
In this regard, the Governor-General expressed the hope that he will attain “wisdom and success as you lead our country.”
Also lauding Mrs. Simpson Miller’s stewardship, particularly “over the last four difficult years,” the Governor-General said her place is securely etched in Jamaica’s history.”
This is the second time that Mr. Holness is being sworn in as Prime Minister, having served as the ninth Head of Government from October 23, 2011 to January 5, 2012.
Mr. Holness, at age 43, remains the youngest person to be installed as Jamaica’s Prime Minister, since the country gained political independence in 1962. He was 39 at the time of his initial appointment in 2011.
A wide cross-section of persons, including dignitaries, officials, and other guests, were on hand to witness the transition leadership from outgoing Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller to Mr. Holness.
The ceremony featured musical presentations by gospel recording artiste, Chevelle Franklyn; vocalists, Ana Strachan and Nesbeth; and Saxophonist, Nicholas Laraque. The Jamaica Military Band provided musical accompaniment.
“Jamaica is geographically central in the Caribbean. My vision is to turn Jamaica into the centre of the Caribbean. A centre of finance, trade and commerce, technology and innovation, and the centre of arts, culture, and lifestyle regionally. This is all possible within our lifetime. Despite any negatives, Jamaica still has a powerful and alluring brand amplifying our voice and influence in the world.”
From “Partnership for Prosperity”, the inaugural address by new Jamaica Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Thursday 3 March 2016.
