PRIME Minister Andrew Holness yesterday congratulated US president-elect Donald Trump on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica.

Trump, a billionaire businessman who ran on an anti-establishment platform, beat Democratic rival Hillary Clinton at the polls on Tuesday and is set to become America’s 45th president.

In his message, Holness communicated the “great value” Jamaica places on the longstanding friendship and co-operation “which has shaped our bilateral relationship with the United States for more than 50 years”. He also articulated commitment to achieving and maintaining economic growth and development for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and the wider hemisphere.

According to a statement from Jamaica House, the PM also emphasised his intention to build on existing initiatives between the two countries, to explore new opportunities, as well as to strengthen US/Caribbean and Jamaican relations.

“[My] best wishes to president-elect Trump, and for peace and prosperity for the people of the United States of America,” said Holness.

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller also congratulated Trump on his election win, hailing him for joining “a select group of men who have attained the distinction of becoming leader of the Free World” and describing him as a hard and tireless worker who has built a successful brand.

“The United States is a strong democracy and Mr Trump’s victory is an expression of the confidence of Americans in his ability to push for the changes in Washington that many have advocated over the years,” Simpson Miller said in a statement to the press.

She noted, however, that there are concerns about Trump’s proposed immigration policy direction especially because “Jamaicans are a big part of the immigrant community in the US”.

“We look forward to hearing and seeing how president-elect Donald Trump’s Administration will take shape,” Simpson Miller said. “We hope that he will quickly reach across the political divide… and try to build bridges in the global space so that we can continue to foster peace and development around the world.”