In a letter dated February 26, 2016, to Prime Minister Designate Holness, Prime Minister Harris said “Congratulations on your victory in the February 25, 2016, General Elections, which returned the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to leadership with you at the helm!”

“Gaining thirty-three (33) seats in the 2016 election bears evidence of not only the people’s support and confidence in your party’s ability to lead the great nation of Jamaica, but is undoubtedly also consequential of your team’s arduous labour,” said Prime Minister Harris to the prime minister designate, while emphasizing the belief that he will govern “with similar stewardship, and fervor” that undergirded his party’s campaign.

“I look forward to working with you as we address the bilateral, regional and international issues that will foment the economic and social progress of our people and nation,” Prime Minister Harris added.

“I extend best wishes to you and your government as you embark on a new journey in fulfilling the mandate of the people of Jamaica,” he said, while adding “I wish you well as you deliver on the “Prosperity Agenda” which Jamaicans wholeheartedly supported.”

Holness was preceded by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who served in the office from September 11, 2007 to October 23, 2011. He resigned from office over the scandal surrounding the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips and Christopher “Dudus” Coke extradition request.  Following Golding’s resignation in 2011, Holness was sworn in as prime minister but his term only lasted three months when he was trounced by Portia Simpson-Miller of the People’s National Party (PNP) in the General Elections of December 29, 2011.

Prime Minister Designate Andrew Holness is the leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). The JLP beat the Portia Simpson-Miller led PNP by a slim margin, 32-31 seats. Holness, 43, who is Jamaica’s ninth prime minister, is the youngest person to hold the office and the first prime minister to be born after Jamaica’s Independence in 1962. He was born on 22nd July, 1972.  He is to be sworn in as prime minister on March 3, 2016, at King’s House by Governor-General of Jamaica, The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen.