ST ANDREW – Prime Minister-designate, Andrew Holness, said he intends to lead a responsive government that is accountable to the Jamaican people.
“We are under no illusions as to the ability of the Jamaican people to hold their government to account. We have a team, and all members of our family are committed to serving you,” he said.
Holness was delivering his victory speech at the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Belmont Road headquarters on February 25, following the party’s victory in the 2016 General Election.
He pledged that the new Government will be faithful to plans to grow the economy and create jobs, while balancing the country’s fiscal accounts.
“We will also address your water problems. We will address your housing problems, we will address education problems, and we will fix your health care problems,” he said.
“What it takes are men and women, who are willing to be faithful to the cause of growing Jamaica. What it takes is a team that is willing to try new, innovative and creative ways to solve the problems of Jamaica and I commit to bringing new, creative and innovative solutions to the challenges faced in Jamaica,” Holness said.
He hailed the strength of Jamaica’s democracy, and acknowledged the work of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica and the Election Day workers, as well as members of the country’s security forces – the Jamaica Defence Force and the Jamaica Constabulary Force – in ensuring a peaceful and successful General Election.
Preliminary results indicate that the JLP won 33 seats, while the People’s National Party (PNP), led by the Portia Simpson Miller, won 30 seats.
The February 25 General Election was the 17th to be held since the country achieved Universal Adult Suffrage in 1944. (JIS)
