Holness preaches national healing

Amid cheers and applause at his swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness yesterday used his inauguration speech to call for healing, reconciliation, and a renewed national focus.

"The elections are over," Holness said, shortly after taking the oath as prime minister for the fourth time.

On September 3, Holness led the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to a hard fought 35-28 win over Mark Golding's People's National Party (PNP) in a hotly contested general election. The win was the third on the trot for Holness and the JLP, having won elections in 2016 and 2020.

With the election now in the rear-view mirror, Holness declared that it is time to move forward with the country's business.

"We must reunite and refocus on the business of the nation. Regardless of the outcome, we must choose Jamaica," Holness declared, urging supporters and opponents alike to set aside political rivalry.

"The time has come where we must get over the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, put aside haughtiness and bitterness, unfold our arms, unclench our fists, retract accusatory fingers and embrace each other," he said.

At the ceremony attended by Golding, the prime minister recommitted to leading "an inclusive and consultative government" and extended an olive branch to the Opposition, calling for bipartisan partnership

"I extend my hand to the Opposition to create a space for the national interest, let us partner together to complete the work we started on making Jamaica a republic," he said.

Holness also pledged continued collaboration with the National Partnership Council, the Church, unions, youth, business leaders, and civil society.

"Let us all work hand-in-hand to build the progressive and prosperous Jamaica we all want," he said.