Holness: I want to lead my country

BY HG HELPS Editor-at-Large helpsh@jamaicaobserver.com

Monday, September 06, 2010

HE is not putting his cards on the table just yet, regarding his strategy to become prime minister of Jamaica one day, but rising star Andrew Holness is willing to admit one thing: "I want to lead my country."

"If I had said no, you would say I am lying," the education minister admitted to the Observer last Friday.

While declining to say more in terms of his own climb up the ladder to fulfil his dream, Holness said that the issue of leading the ruling Jamaica Labour Party now was not up for discussion.

"The issue of leadership is not a question in the Jamaica Labour Party right now. Of course, people have it (leadership) in their minds. It is a political party and everybody has ambitions. But right now, I am focussed on the things that I want to achieve in education. I think that they are far more important than any personal ambitions that I may have," he said.

"My friends have said to me, you are doing all these things, what happens if you lose the next election. How are you going to survive? But I have never really been one to think of my own personal things like business. I have always been politically motivated. I am motivated by what I am doing now," he explained.

"I wasn't called to do law, or banking or anything like that. I was called to do this (politics)," said Holness, who is also member of parliament for West Central St Andrew, leader of government business in the House of Representatives and the JLP's public relations top man.

Responding to calls for Prime Minister Bruce Golding to resign over his handling of the hiring of a United States law firm in relation to the extradition of former Tivoli Gardens don Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, Holness said that there was no need for Golding to step aside.

"The person who is calling for him to resign has to make a judgement as to whether or not the population that elected him has lost total confidence in him," Holness argued. "So I am sure the prime minister would be of the opinion that there is an element in the society that would have lost confidence in him, but I don't think that we can say that the majority of the society has lost confidence in him.

"Indeed, the PSOJ (Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica), the churches, the civil groups that represent the broad areas of society have not called for his resignation. They have asked for atonement, and the political party that he leads has also said that he should atone -- apologise and atone. We are trying to do everything for him to atone. There are items that have been placed on the agenda that must be achieved, like de-garrisonisation, campaign financing... those things would be part of the atonement package," Holness said.

POST A COMMENT

You must first register and then login to be able to post a comment.

HOUSE RULES

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, and before commenting you need to register, conveniently, by clicking the link above.

COMMENTS (27)

alex williams
9/6/2010

To criticize your party leader under Jamaica's current political structure and political culture is tantamount to political suicide. Holness did the right thing in his approach to the MPP scandal. I would certainly vote for him or Tufton if they decide to run for PM. I also like that President of G2K. He is a very smart fellow. Right now I can't think of anyone from PNP that is capable of leading the country. Hopefully someone will emerge soon and then there will be a viable alternative.

Afreecan Reborn
9/6/2010

This is not a story. Which young, bright up-and-coming politician don't have leadership aspirations. i'm sure tufton, lisa hannah and basil waite have similar desires...so again i say..no news

Ramon Castro
9/6/2010

@Carlos King -- "totally inappropriate for one to WANT to lead." Are you for real? Twisted reasoning. I want to lead the company I work for. Damn if I am going to sit around and wait to be called. If Obama was waiting to be called upon to lead, he would still be on the waiting list. If MLK was waiting to be called, there would still be separate drinking fountain for whites and blacks and if Rosa Park was waiting, blacks would still be sitting at the back of the bus. Go for it Mr Holness!!!

Al Vanawic
9/6/2010

I am not an admirer of the old guard politicians like Bruce and Portia. They depend too much on an ignorant mass to keep them in power. I believe Mr. Holness has certain credentials to lead Jamaica but his earlier unconditional defense of Bruce in the MPP drama placed him in the old guard category. It seems like he is now realizing it and without dissing Bruce trying to distinguish himself. I hope he has not done much damage with the cross section of Jamaicans. By the way what's up Mr. Tufton?

chrisanthony gregory
9/6/2010

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to lead. With the MPP situation, he was the only one who spoke to the press in a decent, coherent way. Yes, he would not bash his leaders publicly. That's common-sense. He does say silly stuff sometimes. All leaders do. He is young and ambitious. I did not feel he was the best choice for Education Minister; but as time passes, he along with Dr. Tufton are the two better performing ministers - and both should have a go at leadership. Bye Bye Bruce!

carlos king
9/6/2010

Mr. HoIness it's totally inappropriate for one to WANT to lead. Good followers are the best leaders. Good leaders are called upon, even forced. And they take up the mantle unwilling and ONLY for the love of country. Mr. Holness the appropriate response is "I am satisfied to serve my country, by the grace of God, in whatever capacity I am called upon," Your answer is what was expected and that is what's wrong with our politics. I am very disappointed with your response, please review and correct.

pete delisser
9/6/2010

Holness is definitely one of the better Ministers of Government, hes hard working & seems to have the countrys interest at heart. Hes also young, (relatively), he should try to take over the JLP leadership before its too late. I wish he would also free up more spaces (somehow) in HIgh Schools & eliminate the GSAT which is such a burden on young people & families. GLUCK Mr Holness...and watch your back, others in the Party may not want you to succeed, simply because youre already a success....

rag monty
9/6/2010

Well at least we see an MP beeing up front and honest. It is interesting how my fellow citizens can be influenced to judge all my what might be the misdeeds of a few. As far as what the constitution says about leadership or who leads that is neither here nor there. What is important is that Jamaica is a democracy and the people will ultimately decide. Try as they may Sharer nor Simpson will never be seen in the same eyes as those who were elected. Personally I think Tufton is the best in the JLP

Chuck Emanuel
9/6/2010

Again, when people were called on to "Lead" during the Dudusgate and MPP saga, they wiggled, waffled and wavered.
So, if the Prime Minister "did nothing wrong", who will you "Lead" ?.
Where is the call for accountability ?. "Lead" that Mr Holness !.

Maude Cooper
9/6/2010

Here we go again, voters cannot handle the truth. The man was asked a question in which he answered honestly and stated his case. But from it someone picks a little piece of the fact and begins to distort it the way special interest groups do things. Had Mr. Holness not answer the question directly now and state his ambition at a later time; someone would have said he is a liar and cannot be trusted. There is no way to please those who have absolutely no idea what it is they are looking for.

Yard Vibz
9/6/2010

Jamaicans possess deep christian values, which we have developed in Sunday school. One of the golden rules from those embedded principles reminds us that 'honesty is the best policy,' but not in all cases. Andrew Holness, for ex, has demonstrated too much honesty in his response to the leadership question. It's the same straightforwardness why Yendi Phillips had not been crowned Ms. Universe. Andrew's lamentations are laced with traces of youth & inexperience. An honest man is not a politician.

Better Must-Come
9/6/2010

I am no great fan of the Constitution in its current form, a lot of changes are needed. Among a lot of other flaws, the Constitution allows the Parties to contest elections like a monarchy (vote for the Party/ Prime Minister to be) and not vote for representation. MP's are ineffective as to representation of their constituencies and are more like a rubber stamp for the Party/Government.

Len Vincent
9/6/2010

" 'I wasn't called to do law, or banking or anything like that. I was called to do ..(politics)', said Holness". Mr H has given us a subliminal hint on one of the problems facing us. "Politics" is seen as a (long term) "profession"! Whereas we deserve politically correct governace by professionally qualified persons, we get politicians 'doing' politics. Of note that Oxford Dict. (also) defines 'politician' as ".person who acts in a manipulative and devious way to gain advancement." OOPS!

Better Must-Come
9/6/2010

The population does not directly vote for who becomes Prime Minister. The party of the Prime Minister even has a bigger say in who becomes prime Minister that the total Jamaican population. Party Members when the elect the Party leader is saying that this person will be Prime Minister if the Party wins the election.
Mr. Holness, I implore you to get a copy of the Constitution and read. That is sadly lacking among Jamaican politicians. Too many of them has no knowledge of the Constitution.

Better Must-Come
9/6/2010

Mr. Holness, the population of Jamaica does not elect Mr. Golding as Prime Minister. As per the Constitution:
70. (1) Whenever the Governor-General has occasion to appoint a Prime Minister he, acting in his discretion, shall appoint the member of the House of Representatives who, in his judgment, is best able to command the confidence of a majority of the members of that House and shall, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, appoint from among the members of the two Houses

Winston G
9/6/2010

@ George Watson:
I concur with your first sentence. I am dying for the day when journalism becomes more professional - when the headline matches the story, and the story is of substance. Anyhow, better to read about Mr. Holness wanting to be PM some day, than about persons being murdered, so if this is the news, let's be grateful, better days could be coming.

Joe Robinson
9/6/2010

I am sure that Minister Holness has served his country well. He is well educated and prepared to lead our country. Nothing is wrong for him to stae his mind. Jamaicans have been saying that they need to see young bright minds to take over politically. Here is one of the best. I am sure that people will now start targeting him in a negative way, but by far Holness is a star and will serve as a great leader. Under the present political climate,I cant see the JLP with its present leader return to

christopher Isaacs
9/6/2010

I hope I am proven wrong but I believe holness will regret this revealation. I beleve that soon you will see a cabinet reshuffle and Holness will be summarily promoted but to a post that will take him out of the limelight of the Ministry of education. Andrew has shown and displyed the qualities that would make him an excellent leader and if Bruce and the JLP are wise they would acceed to supporters and the public overwhelming wish. Holness will now be looked on with cast eyes.

Jaye Stone
9/6/2010

Not mature enough yet. I expected you to move away from the pack when your leader messed up royally, but you were too afraid. We need leaders with cojones of steel and force/strength of character, integrity, vision. Of unequivocal speech, not of forked tongue. Who reflects on the import of his words before he shoots off his mouth.
There are leaders and tthen here are leaders.

Richie L
9/6/2010

"The person who is calling for him to resign has to make a judgement as to whether or not the population that elected him has lost total confidence in him"
.
People keep forgetting that bruce golding was not elected by the people of Jamaica to be PM. He was elected by the JLP to be leader and then by one constituency.
.
If we had a system like they do in say Haiti, where anyone can run for PM, I doubt bruce golding would be sitting in Jamaica House as PM now.
.
Get that Mr Holness!
.
Richie

Ainsworth Cole
9/6/2010

The people elected a political party to form the govt, the party choose from among them a person to be the PM hence Portia becoming PM even though she wasn't the leader of her party when they won the election.Mr Holness or any other JLP/ MP can become PM without an election.He is doing well except that he is wrong with the proposed ending of govt paying for 5 subjects, finding a way to make students sit the exams paid for punish those that don't not the majority- good must not suffer for the bad

Christopher Malcolm
9/6/2010

"Called to politics", does this create a sense of entitlement? Is this the root cause of many a perceived problem with our politics and politicians? Would the "called" submit, for example, to term limits? Is the time ripe for national reasoning as to the nature and requirements of our politics and politicians? Should national criteria be established for performance audits and ongoing review? Should the "called" de-link from party and at all times favour country? If so, how? - Just asking.

justice justice
9/6/2010

I use to think Holness was fit to lead Jamaica but after I saw him on the program All Angels trying to defend bruce golding on the handling of extrad. of dudus, he cant get my vote. So far no JLP MP have shown good character & call on bruce to resign.They r 1 & the same. Jamaica doom.

Duncan Bertram
9/6/2010

Holness shuffling the card pack to see his fortunes. Anybody in the JLP can try a thing now. Bruce will definitely not be the next PM and the JLP will surely boot him after the next election. Bruce has been a dismal failure and the JLP is being destroyed daily as he continues to lead. Challenges are looming and the real JLP will soon be seen. All I can really say is we want them out with Golding asap.

Nicolas Henry
9/6/2010

Mr Holness, I have similar ambitions. JA should hold primary election, similar to the USA. Give the people the choice of selecting who should be on the election ticket running MP. It shouldn't be some delegates that selects their friends, to keep the corruption going.

Maurice Cole
9/6/2010

Has the Observer elevated Mr. Holness as Pm inwaiting. His every word is now in the headlines.

george watson
9/6/2010

It is strange that the Observer foresees no showdown looming in the JLP after Mr. Holness makes it known that he harbours leadership ambitions, but they do with Mr. Campbell wanting a ticket on the PNP platform.
After all the media has been making no secret of its preference for Mr. Holness and Mr. Samuda, one of the stalwarts of the party did say recently that they were aware of this, and it wont work.
It is strange where our biases can lead us and the mischief it causes us to get up to.

Do you feel buying into Facebook now is a good investment for the long-run?
	Yes
	No

View Results
Results published weekly in Sunday Finance

Username:
Password:

Teen killed for laughing at man who fell from bicycle

Holness: I want to lead my country