Holness to take oath of office for the second time

Prime Minister-designate Andrew Holness is expected in his inaugural address this afternoon to reach out to Opposition Members of Parliament as he takes on the onerous task of governing with a slim one-seat majority.

With the new administration likely to pursue a packed legislative agenda, some observers are of the view that bipartisan cooperation is critical if several proposed laws highlighted by the incoming government are to get a smooth passage in the House of Representatives.

Holness is to be sworn in for the second time in five years as Jamaica’s Prime Minister at a ceremony at King’s House starting at 4 o’clock this afternoon.

He will officially take the reins of government after being given a mandate by Jamaicans on February 25 to run the country’s affairs for the next five years.

Holness is expected to name his Cabinet after today’s swearing-in ceremony.

Jamaica House yesterday said Holness would take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office of Prime Minister after which he would receive the Instrument of Appointment to office from the governor general.

Four former prime ministers of Jamaica have been invited to attend.

They are Edward Seaga, who played a pivotal role in Holness’ political career; Bruce Golding; P.J. Patterson; and Holness’ immediate predecessor, Portia Simpson Miller.

Members of the diplomatic corps, the judiciary and other government officials are expected to be in attendance.