Dr. Holness sworn in for third consecutive term as Prime Minister

 

Dr. Andrew Holness was sworn in for a third consecutive term as Prime Minister on Tuesday afternoon. 

 

Dr. Holness was sworn in by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen during a ceremony at King's House that was attended by foreign heads of state or their representatives, as well as former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, and other dignitaries. 

 

Dr. Holness, Jamaica's ninth Prime Minister, was presented with the Instrument of Office after taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office.

 

"I, Andrew Michael Holness, being appointed Prime Minister, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will to the best of my judgment at all times when required so to do, freely give my counsel and advice to the Governor General or any other person for the time being lawfully performing the functions of that office, for the good management of the public affairs of Jamaica," he pledged. 

 

Cabinet ministers will be sworn in during a ceremony at King's House on Wednesday, while Members of Parliament and the Senate will be sworn in on Thursday at Gordon House.

 

In his inaugural address, Dr. Holness began by giving glory to God, adding that "without Him, none of this would be possible". He also thanked "the countless Jamaicans who have prayed for peace, prosperity and good governance within our nation".

 

Additionally, the Prime Minister acknowledged his St. Andrew West Central consituency for "laying the foundation for my political journey" over the last 28 years. 

 

On the heels of a tense general election campaign, Dr. Holness called for the country to reunite and refocus on the buiness of the nation, insisting that "The time has come where we must get over the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, put aside hautiness and bitterness, unfold our arms, unclench our fists, retract accusatory fingers and embrace each other."  

 

He renewed his government's committment to leading an inclusive and consultative government, as he urged Opposition Leader Mark Golding to join in creating a space for the national interest. 

 

"Mark, let us partner together to complete the work we started to make Jamaica a republic. I look forward to continuing the work with all stakeholders - the National Partnership Council, the church, unions, youth, the business community and civil society generally. Let us all work hand in hand to build the progressive and prosperous Jamaica we all want," he declared.