The Most Honourable Dr. Andrew Michael Holness, ON, PC, MP

tcollins66
Jul 29
4 min read

Updated: Aug 8

2011– 2012 and 2016 - present

Andrew Michael Holness was born on the 22^nd of July 1972 in the southern city of Spanish Town, St. Catherine. His natural calling to leadership was evident at St. Catherine High School, where he served as Head Boy, President of the Chess Club and Valedictorian. Prime Minister Holness then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies and later a Master of Science in Development Studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona. Additionally, he holds a Doctor of Law and Policy from Northeastern University (OPM).

Close-up of a young Andrew Holness dressed in a white shirt against a neutral background. — The Most Honourable Dr. Andrew Holness. *Courtesy of* *Prime Minister A. Holness; contributed by OPM.*

Early Political Career and Rise to Leadership

Before entering the political scene, Prime Minister Holness began his career in 1994 as the Executive Director of the Voluntary Organisation for the Upliftment of Children (VOUCH), one of Jamaica’s oldest non-government organisations (NGOs) (NLJ, OPM). He later transitioned into the public sector in 1996, serving as a special assistant to the then Leader of Opposition, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga. In this role, he was responsible for developing poverty reduction and social investment policies for the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) (NLJ). The following year, 1997, saw Prime Minister Holness becoming the youngest Jamaican to be elected as a Member of Parliament at the age of 25, where he dedicated almost three decades to representing the people of West Central St. Andrew.

As a Member of Parliament, Mr. Holness served in several key portfolios before taking on the mantle of leading the nation. From 1999 to 2002, he served as the Opposition Spokesperson on Land and Development, before switching portfolios to Housing in 2002. He later served as Opposition Spokesperson on Education in 2005 before becoming the Minister of Education following the JLP’s victory in the September 2007 general election (JIS, NLJ). Additionally, he has served as the Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives, with a key focus on electoral matters since 2008 (NLJ). Although brief, Prime Minister Holness’ first term, beginning October 23, 2011, was historic as he became the youngest person to serve as Prime Minister of Jamaica and the only one born after the country’s independence in 1962. He secured his second term as Prime Minister in 2016, still retaining his title as the youngest to be elected to the office at the age of 44.

A smiling Dr. Andrew Holness wearing a navy suit and tie with a Jamaican flag pin, against a white background. — The Most Honourable Dr. Andrew Holness. *Credit: MEGJC*

Social and Economic Development Contributions

Educational Growth: During his time as Minister of Education, Prime Minister Holness dedicated five years to transforming and advancing Jamaica’s education system. With a focus on improving literacy rates and universal access to quality education, Mr. Holness introduced the Career Advancement Programme (CAP) (OPM, JIS). This programme aimed to elevate educational standards by providing accessible technical and vocational training to post-secondary youths. Moreover, Mr. Holness’ fundamental education reforms include the establishment of institutions such as the Jamaica Teaching Council, the National Education Trust, the National Education Inspectorate, the National College for Education Leadership, the Centres of Excellence Programme, along with the Alternative Secondary Transition Education Programme (ASTEP), which supports underperforming students.

Economic Growth: Prime Minister Andrew Holness has overseen a period of strong economic growth in Jamaica. His leadership has resulted in a reduction in crime levels, with the murder rate at a 35-year low, 3.5% record-low unemployment and no new net taxes for the past nine fiscal years. Under his administration, income tax thresholds have been raised, and the national debt has hit its lowest level in 30 years, therefore easing financial burdens on citizens.

Furthermore, as a means to enhance economic resilience, a disaster insurance and natural disaster fund was implemented, allowing Jamaica to become the first Caribbean island to independently sponsor a Catastrophe Bond. Prime Minister Holness has also led historic investments in public infrastructure, including major upgrades in water supply, transportation, housing, healthcare and public safety facilities.

Dr. Andrew Holness and three other men in masks inspect a water pump spraying water outdoors, surrounded by greenery. A pump house with blue accents is visible. — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and company at the Hamilton Mountain NWC facility, which now provides access to potable water for the community and surrounding areas. Credit: A. Holness via *facebook.com*

With the renovations and upgrades made to hospitals, roadways, police stations and markets, there has been a significant improvement in national infrastructure and access to healthcare.

Prime Minister Holness has positioned Jamaica as a leader in climate change through the implementation of environmental policies, such as banning single-use plastics, expanding protected areas to conserve natural ecosystems, and promoting renewable energy. By advocating for accessible and flexible climate finance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the establishment of a global disaster fund, Prime Minister Holness has underscored his commitment to sustainable development for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean (OPM).

Other Noteworthy Achievements

For his contributions to national development as a Head of Government, Prime Minister Holness was inscribed on the Roll of Honour at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Park in 2017. On the international level, he received an honorary doctorate from Delaware State University in 2024 for outstanding service to Jamaica (OPM).