Holness says visit to Hanover has nothing to do with election
HANOVER, Jamaica— Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared that his current tour of the island, has nothing to do with an “upcoming event”.
The local government polls are due by February 28.
Holness, who is also leader of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), said he is currently on a “listening tour,” aimed at hearing from the people as projects are implemented.
“Why am I here? I know you are thinking, why am I here and all of you may have one idea in your head. But, let me tell you, that is not why,” Holness said.
Holness was addressing municipal corporation employees, market vendors and others at the Cleveland Stanhope Market in Lucea, Hanover on Friday, as he made several stops in the parish.
The other stops include the Hopewell Market, the ground-breaking of the new Matron’s Quarters and the official opening of a Therapeutic Park at the Hanover Infirmary. He also participated in the handing over of two indigent houses in Chambers Pen and rapped with 5th and 6th formers of Rusea’s High School.
Holness was accompanied by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, and Members of Parliament for Hanover Western and Eastern Tamika Davis and Dave Brown, respectively.
Other officials also participated in the tour.
On February 21, 2023, McKenzie told the House of Representatives that Local Government Election which was due earlier that year on February 28, has been postponed for a third time until February 2024.
The election, which was last held in 2016, was due in November 2020, but was postponed due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the holding of a general election two months earlier.
