Juliet Holness elected Speaker of the House of Representatives

Juliet Holness, MP for the constituency of St. Andrew East Rural, is the new Speaker of the Jamaican House of Representatives.

She replaces Marisa Dalrymple Philibert, who announced her resignation last week.

The nomination of Mrs Holness for the post of Speaker was supported by the Parliamentary Opposition, with Leader of Opposition Business Phillip Paulwell seconding the nomination, after she was nominated by Government Member Delroy Chuck.

Heroy Clarke, MP for St. James Central, was also elected Deputy Speaker, taking the position vacated by Mrs. Holness.

Mrs. Holness and Mr. Clarke were the sole nominees for the posts.

In accepting her appointment, Mrs. Holness promised to judiciously execute her responsibilities and promised to preserve the dignity of the House.

She also thanked her predecessor for her service to Jamaica and her guidance.

The motions for the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker were seconded by Leader of Opposition Business in the House, Phillip Paulwell.