Bruce Golding Takes Oath of Office as Prime Minister Today

Mr. Orette Bruce Golding will be sworn in as Jamaica’s eighth Prime Minister today (Sept. 11) by Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall, on the lawns of King’s House.

Mr. Bruce Golding, Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party

More than 5,000 guests including outgoing Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, CARICOM Heads of Government, members of the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, senior public servants, party supporters, family, friends and other members of the public, are expected to attend the one-hour ceremony, which will get underway at 4:00 pm.
The function will begin with the playing of the National Anthem by the Jamaica Military Band and prayers by the Right Rev. Dr. Robert Thompson, Suffragan Bishop of Kingston.
After a brief welcome address, the Governor General will read the Instrument appointing Mr. Golding as Prime Minister, after which the new Prime Minister will take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office.

Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall

The Governor-General will then present the Instrument of Appointment to the Prime Minister.
A fanfare of trumpets will accompany the lowering of the standard of the outgoing Prime Minister, and the breaking of the incoming Prime Minister’s standard, to be followed by Mr. Golding’s inaugural address.
The function, which will include musical interludes by the Jamaica Folk Singers and Martins Heritage, will close with the singing of the National Anthem led by noted reggae artiste Richie Stephens.
Jamaicans at home and abroad, as well as other interested persons, can log on to the following websites – www.jis.gov.jm, or www.mct.gov.jm and www.jlpteam.com – to see a live webcast of the event.
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) led by Mr. Golding defeated the Portia Simpson Miller-led People’s National Party by 33 to 27 seats in the general election held on Monday, September 3.