'A good but lengthy speech'

Milton Samuda, president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, says he hopes Prime Minister Andrew Holness will be able to live up to the nation's expectations of him.

Though Samuda took time to commend Holness on a good speech, he said the new prime minister should be mindful of the fact that he needs to be able to live up to specific goals.

"I want to indicate that when you elevate the people's expectation, they are going to judge you based on that. That was what happened with Bruce Golding and all the others, so I encourage him to be mindful of that. He needs to be resolute in trying to meet the bar and standard because he is expected to achieve such," he said.

"I think also, in terms of the economy, he should have given a more in-depth report as it relates to the IMF (International Monetary Fund). The truth is he didn't say anything that we haven't heard before. I was really looking forward to hearing more on the economic aspect," he shared.

"Overall, it was a good speech. Though it was a bit lengthy, his thoughts were outlined and I liked the fact that he mentioned that we need to resort to a more active politics," he said.

Michael Williams, general secretary of the National Democratic Movement, echoed similar sentiments, saying though he thought it lengthy overall, he believed it was a good speech.

"I think it was a little bit too long, but I liked the fact that it delved into the garrison phenomena and early-childhood education. It was his first time and he got adjusted very fast. I think there is hope," he said.

"I think, though, that he could have outlined his vision a bit more clearly. I'm not saying it wasn't in his speech, but I think it was a bit disjointed, so I think he could have improved on that."