Karl Samuda, the elections campaign director of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), is dismissing claims that Andrew Holness lacks the leadership experience to be prime minister.
He insists that Holness is head and shoulders above even former prime minister Michael Manley in the sphere of political experience.
"He (Holness) has more experience for the post of prime minister than did Michael Manley (in 1972) in terms of involvement in governance," argued Samuda. "When Michael Manley became prime minister of Jamaica, he was never a member of the Cabinet," Samuda added.
At 39, Holness will be Jamaica's youngest prime minister when he is sworn in as Jamaica's ninth today.
They are also seen as worlds apart in terms of personalities, with Manley charismatic and magnetic, and Holness soft-spoken and methodical.
Samuda argued that Holness stands in stark contrast to Manley. "This young man has been a member of parliament for three terms and has served with distinction as education minister for four of those years," he argued.
A former leader of opposition business, Samuda lauded Holness for the role he has played as House leader. "He has served with distinction as leader of government business in the House, which is a serious responsibility that he has discharged very well."
Samuda also characterised Holness as highly intelligent, with a vision that would propel Jamaica forward with his emphasis on education. "This will enable young people and others to acquire the skills necessary for the introduction of appropriate systems and structures which will enhance technology," asserted Samuda.
He added: "So it is a process through education that will lead to economic development through improved productivity. Andrew is really committed to that," stressed Samuda.
Negotiating skills
Samuda, who served in both the JLP and People's National Party governments, believes that Holness is possessed with the appropriate negotiating skills that would work wonders for Jamaica.
"He has excellent negotiating skills and is ready to put them to work," Samuda asserted. "He is young, energetic, and has a long future in the political process … a longer period to see through the policies which he will implement with his team."
Asked whether he harboured any misgivings about Holness, Samuda responded: "Not so far … . I am very confident in his ability to serve the country at the highest level."
Emergence of hope
He stressed that he was anticipating the emergence of hope that would be engendered in the minds of young people who, up to now, have felt a sense of despair as the economic situation in the country has become very difficult.
"In addition to everything else, they need that sense of hope and confidence in the future in order to encourage them to work harder, apply themselves more diligently, and simply to wake up with a feeling that tomorrow will be a brighter day," declared Samuda.
"I think that with a young leader, there is a much better chance of achieving that feeling among the 60 per cent of the population who are 25 years and younger," he added.
Samuda is also convinced that Holness' laid-back approach and his lack of arrogance will resonate with the vast majority of youth hoping for a better life.
"I think the vast majority of people, or young people, would like to see a younger face with which they can identify … . He is not going to be known as prime minister; he is going to be known simply as Andrew," he predicted.
"It means that he is considered to be one of the people," Samuda added. "There is a natural sense of respect that attends anyone who achieves that high office, but over and above that, affection is not expressed by officialdom … affection is expressed through casual conversation and a sense of association."
Accordingly, Samuda predicts that there will be a significant difference in the minds of the people between "Mr Holness" and "Andrew". He suggested: "'Andrew' is a more endearing term and reflects a greater comfort level and sense of acceptance and warmth for a person."