Let me start by saying I was never a supporter of Prime Minister Andrew Holness. As a leader I found him weak, uncertain and petty. I was repulsed by the resignation letters he drafted for the senators, amongst other things, and was certainly not satisfied by the responses given to questions raised about his Beverly Hills mansion. I wanted to share some comments for a while now, then I saw an article recently, ‘The Transformation of Andrew Holness’ which, I have to admit, I agreed with.

Since his taking office, I have kept an open mind, and I’ve also witnessed what appears to be a more mature Andrew Holness, someone who is evolving and seems to be learning from experience. I’ve been following the prime minister closely, listening to his speeches, and following his overseas trips. He seems genuinely interested in improving conditions in Jamaica. He has shown leadership, statesmanship and intellect since assuming the office of prime minister; things which, I believe, were lacking under the previous People’s National Party (PNP) Government.

During the recent PNP controversies, I noticed that Holness kept his distance, he didn’t ridicule or try to score cheap political points at the expense of the Opposition. Instead, he remained focused at the tasks at hand, many of which are critical. This was commendable.

The prime minister, unlike his predecessor in the last Government, remains accessible to the press; he is visible, and provides regular updates, press releases and interviews. His social media is also on point and current. Equally impressive is his wife, Juliet, and the work she has been doing in her constituency as a first-time Member of Parliament. I believe many of the seasoned MPs, on both sides, could learn a thing or two from her as she seems to be genuinely interested in improving the quality of life in her constituency. Jamaica could be improved if more focus and development was geared towards each constituency.

The prime minister’s recent initiative to introduce fellowships at Jamaica House was also commendable. It is hoped this will encourage youth leadership and careers in the public service. The Economic Growth Council, headed by business mogul Michael Lee-Chin, was another brilliant move by him. Over the past several months, Holness has found every opportunity to promote Jamaica overseas and attract investments. The country has been meeting International Monetary Fund (IMF) targets, all while Government has started to change course with a programme that shows commitment to finding opportunities which, hopefully, will grow the economy and release the stranglehold created by foreign entities like the IMF, which also cripple development.

At a town hall meeting in New York, USA, recently, Holness told a large audience that he was committed to “the transformation of Jamaica into the preferred place to live, work, raise a family, and retire”. I believed him. He stressed his commitment to improve three major areas now the priority of Government: crime, education and the reduction of bureaucracy, especially that which stymies business investment. It is hoped the prime minister will also prioritise and commit to improving health care — another critical area in need of drastic overhaul. A country cannot develop without adequate health care facilities and a healthy populace.

It is such a sharp contrast that this recent town hall meeting in New York was packed. It was only a few months ago, September 2015 to be exact, where Holness, as leader of the Opposition, addressed a similar gathering in New York and only a few people attended to hear him speak, according to reports.

I believe, regardless of political affiliation, we must support any politician and Government that can inspire and help to bring about positive changes which help to improve Jamaica. We must support initiatives and leadership that can help Jamaica become safer, healthier and more productive; we all benefit.

I’m now wondering if someone like Lisa Hanna, a bright, promising, young politician, who was surprisingly rejected in her recent bid to ascend to the PNP leadership core, might now be contemplating whether or not she chose the right side. Hanna’s level of intellect, vision and passion to help transform Jamaica, ironically, now seems more in line with what we’re seeing in the current JLP Government.

chin_p@yahoo.com