ALTHOUGH Dr Andrew Holness was officially sworn in as prime minister at 4:44 Tuesday afternoon, supporters in the crowd gathered at King’s House to celebrate his third-consecutive term in office all seemed to be stuck at 1 PM, a slogan the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader used in the September 3 General Election campaign.

As Holness delivered his inaugural speech the audience erupted with the jingling of bells and chants of “One PM, fourth term!” already prophesying another election in his favour.

With bell in hand and shouting words of agreement with the vows taken by Holness on stage, Errol Gordon, an avid JLP supporter, shared that he is convinced Holness is and will continue to be the “man for the job”.

“I feel good. I believe Andrew Michael Holness is the best leader for Jamaica; he always provides the things that the Jamaican people need and, of course, we’re going forward for that fourth term,” said Gordon.

His views were shared by Antonio Brown, an elderly man, who said that Holness’s performance thus far has shown that he will only continue to be a beacon of growth for the nation.

“The people of Jamaica made the right choice because he carried crime from high to low and he’s bringing the country in the right direction. You know, I don’t believe it makes sense to take a winner and make him into a loser,” said Brown.

While he also forecast Holness returning to office for a fourth term, Brown told the Jamaica Observer that he anticipated continuity, which, he said, is necessary for Jamaicans to experience the levels of prosperity he observed in Holness’s previous terms.

“I want to see more work for the young people, and more access to education, because education is the way forward. We need less illiterate people so that more people can go elevate themselves. I also want to see more houses being built for the people, and we want more factories. So, we just want continuity, more prosperity,” said Brown.

Lorraine Green-Mason, who was dressed in an emerald green dress, signalling her support for Holness and the JLP, shared with the
Observer that she believes Jamaicans ultimately chose Jamaica this election cycle. That, she said, restored her faith in the people to make choices that benefit everyone.

“I am extremely elated that Jamaica has been at a crossroads, and the people have assertively made their choice to choose Dr The Honourable Andrew Michael Holness. He’s one of the persons that I admire most, and how he has handled the affairs of Jamaica makes me proud to see where we have come from, where we are, and where we are going,” said Green-Mason.

She said that, going forward, she has high expectations of the further roll-out of the national school bus system and the passing of legislation that was tabled but not put into action in Holness’s previous terms.

Among those beaming with elation was Patriciia Moulton who said she could not have imagined a different outcome. She shared that Holness has been doing a good job and her only requirement of him is that he continues to do so.

“I think he’s doing a great job. I am happy that we have a prime minister that looks out for the people. Look at how many houses he built, the way crime came down; it’s just been a job well done. I love him, and I will continue to shout ‘Shower!’ every time!” she said.

“Shower!” is the expression used by the ruling party to greet and energise its members and supporters, especially at political meetings.

Diehard JLP supporter Cherry Brooks, who was donned in green from her hair to the shoes on her feet, said she has been a long-time supporter of Holness and is proud of all he has done.

“I have been following him since his rivalry with Audley Shaw and wow, he’s like a son to me! He’s doing very well for Jamaica. I want him to continue what he was doing prior to the election because trust me, he’s doing a very good job,” she said.

Brooks told the
Observer that due to Holness’s humble beginnings and where he is now, she was sure that he could deliver growth for Jamaica.

“He’s the first prime minster I’ve ever seen try to bring Jamaica to where it is right now. From where he was born and when you look at where he is now, you realise he can make a difference,” said Brooks.

In his inauguration address Holness urged the country to focus on moving forward and welcome further progress.

“The time has come where we must get over the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, put aside haughtiness and bitterness, unfold our arms, unclench our fists, retract accusatory fingers and embrace each other. Regardless of the outcome, we must choose Jamaica,” he said, referencing his party’s campaign slogan.

This woman is enjoying Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday at King’s House. Photo: Joseph Wellington