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JIS Heritage Competition 2025

Prime Minister’s Swearing-In Ceremony 2025

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Swearing‑In Ceremony of the Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP

  • Date: September 16, 2025
  • Location: King's House, Kingston
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Highlights

About The Ceremony

The swearing‑in reaffirms Jamaica’s democratic tradition. Following general elections, the Governor‑General invites the Prime Minister‑designate to form a government. During the ceremony, the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office are administered, documents are signed, and the Prime Minister delivers the first address to the nation.

  1. Invocation & National Symbols
    National Anthem, prayer and reflections.
  2. Oaths Administered
    Governor‑General administers the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office.
  3. Signing of the Register
    Official documents confirming assumption of office.
  4. First Address to the Nation
    Prime Minister outlines priorities and guiding vision.

“The swearing‑in ceremony symbolizes the peaceful continuity of governance and the will of the people.”

Protocols For The Ceremony

1. Appointment by the Governor-General

After a General Election (or resignation of a Prime Minister), the Governor-General — Jamaica’s Head of State representative — appoints as Prime Minister: The leader of the political party that commands the majority of seats in the House of Representatives, or In unusual cases, the MP who is most likely to command the confidence of the House.

2. Venue & Arrivals

The swearing-in is usually held at King’s House (official residence of the Governor-General) or sometimes at a major public venue.

Invited dignitaries include: Governor General (presiding), Chief Justice (or senior judge administering the oath), Members of Parliament & Senators, Leaders of the Opposition & Judiciary, Heads of security forces, diplomatic corps, church leaders, and civil society representatives.

The Prime Minister designate arrives and is escorted in formal order.

3. Opening Formalities

National symbols are observed (flag, anthem, prayers, or religious invocation). A Master of Ceremonies or senior official guides the program.

4. Oaths of Office

The Prime Minister designate takes three oaths before the Governor General (usually administered by the Chief Justice or a senior judge):

  • Oath of Allegiance (to the Constitution and the King, as Head of State).
  • Oath of Office (to faithfully discharge the duties of Prime Minister).
  • Oath of Secrecy (to uphold confidentiality in government matters).

The Prime Minister signs the Oath Book, officially recording the commitment.

5. Presentation of the Instrument of Appointment

The Governor-General presents the new Prime Minister with the Instrument of Appointment. This is the formal document confirming the authority to act as Head of Government.

6. Remarks by the Governor-General

The Governor General typically delivers brief remarks, emphasizing constitutional order, service, and national unity.

7. Inaugural Address by the Prime Minister

The newly sworn-in Prime Minister delivers their first official speech to the nation.

This usually sets out: gratitude for public trust, commitment to the Constitution and democratic traditions, broad priorities of the new administration (vision, unity, development goals).

8. Closing & Formalities

Ceremony closes with the National Anthem. Guests may be received or hosted briefly afterward. Media coverage ensures wide national and international broadcast.

Significance Of The Ceremony

  • Constitutional Legitimacy: The Prime Minister is officially appointed by the Governor-General, acting on behalf of the King (as Head of State), in accordance with the Constitution of Jamaica (1962). The swearing-in ceremony makes the appointment legally valid, granting the individual the authority to exercise the powers of Prime Minister.
  • Transfer or Continuation of Power: It marks the peaceful transition of power after a general election, resignation, or other vacancy. Ensures there is no power vacuum at the highest level of government.
  • Oath of Office & Loyalty: The Prime Minister publicly takes the Oath of Allegiance (to the Constitution and the King) and the Oath of Office. This binds the leader to govern according to the laws of Jamaica and to act in the best interest of the people.
  • Symbol of Democratic Governance: Demonstrates the functioning of parliamentary democracy under the Westminster system. Reinforces the rule of law — leadership is achieved through elections and constitutional procedures, not force.
  • Public Confidence & National Unity: The ceremony is usually public, broadcast on TV, radio, and online. It reassures citizens (and international observers) that Jamaica’s democratic institutions are working properly. Provides a moment for the new or returning Prime Minister to set the tone of their leadership in their inaugural address.
  • Precondition for Forming a Government: Only after the swearing-in can the Prime Minister:
    • Recommend and swear in Ministers of Government.
    • Begin the formal work of Cabinet.
    • Advise the Governor-General on state matters.

Prime Minister’s Profile

Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness has served as Member of Parliament for West Central St. Andrew since 1997 and is now in his fourth consecutive term. He first became Jamaica’s ninth Prime Minister in 2011 and returned to office in 2016, where he continues to lead with a focus on economic growth, job creation, and public sector transformation. A former Minister of Education, he spearheaded major reforms including the Career Advancement Programme (CAP), the Jamaica Teaching Council, the National Education Trust, and the Alternative Secondary Transition Education Programme (ASTEP), advancing literacy and vocational training. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies and a Master of Science in Development Studies from the University of the West Indies.

Secured a third consecutive term in the 2025 general election, though JLP’s majority narrowed (JLP: 35 seats; PNP: 28). Holness remains Prime Minister.

Began serving as Chairman of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) ahead of the 49th Heads of Government Conference scheduled for 6–8 July in Montego Bay.

After a landslide victory for the JLP (49 out of 63 seats) in the 2020 general election held on 3 September, Holness was sworn in for another term as Prime Minister.

Officially sworn in again as Prime Minister of Jamaica.

Won the general election, becoming Prime Minister once again—this time via electoral mandate. The JLP secured 32 seats, narrowly defeating the PNP.

Became Prime Minister of Jamaica, succeeding Bruce Golding, at age 39—the youngest individual to hold the office and the first born after independence (1962).

Served as Minister of Education, focusing on literacy and vocational training programs such as the Career Advancement Programme (CAP).

Elected at age 25 as Member of Parliament for Saint Andrew West Central—the youngest MP at that time.

Multimedia Highlights

Prime Ministers Throughout The Years

Sir William Alexander Bustamante

August 6, 1962 – February 23, 1967: The Right Excellent Sir William Alexander Bustamante, ONH, GBE

“Let us resolve to work together under the law to build a Jamaica which will last and of which we and the generations to follow may be proud.”

Sir Donald Burns Sangster

February 13, 1967 – April 11, 1967: The Most Honourable Sir Donald Burns Sangster, ON, KCVO

“Power is like fire – a good servant but a bad master and the misuse of power is one of the greatest faults of any government. It is a crime against the people.”

The Most Honourable Hugh Lawson Shearer

April 11, 1967 – March 2, 1972: The Most Honourable Hugh Lawson Shearer, ON, OJ, PC

“Independence, for us, has been the stimulus, releasing new energy and new ambitions. It has unleashed our nation’s energy in every field.”

The Most Honourable Michael Norman Manley

March 2, 1972 – November 1, 1980: The Most Honourable Michael Norman Manley, ON, OCC

“Every society that achieves greatness with an idea of its own possibilities … must begin with a concept of what it wishes to become.”

The Most Honourable Edward Phillip George Seaga

November 1, 1980 – February 10, 1989: The Most Honourable Edward Philip George Seaga, ON, PC

“Situated as we are virtually on the coastline of the world’s richest economy, Jamaica has no reason to be poor.”

The Most Honourable Michael Norman Manley

February 10, 1989 – March 30, 1992: The Most Honourable Michael Norman Manley, ON, OCC

“Every society that achieves greatness with an idea of its own possibilities … must begin with a concept of what it wishes to become.”

The Most Honourable Percival Noel James Patterson

March 30, 1992 – March 30, 2006: The Most Honourable Percival Noel James Patterson, ON, PC, QC, OE, KC

“We must never give up the fight to become the self-directed, liberated human beings we were created to be.”

The Most Honourable Portia Lucretia Simpson Miller

March 30, 2006 – September 11, 2007: The Most Honourable Portia Lucretia Simpson-Miller, ON, ONR

“Liberty everywhere, at every point in history, is a cherished right that all men and women hold dear.”

Mr. Orette Bruce Golding

September  11, 2007 – October 23, 2011: The Most Honourable Orette Bruce Golding, ON, PC

“As leaders, we are privileged to be the custodians of the world, mandated to secure for its people a just and peaceful existence and to enable them to achieve happiness and prosperity.”

The Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness

October 23, 2011 – January 5, 2012: The Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness, ON, PC, MP

“We cannot be satisfied with things as they are. We must create a Jamaica where there is hope and opportunity; where we can encourage our children to dream big, and to be optimistic about their life chances. A place where we can retire and truly enjoy as paradise.”

The Most Honourable Portia Lucretia Simpson Miller

January 5,  2012 – March 3, 2016: The Most Honourable Portia Lucretia Simpson-Miller, ON, ONR

“Liberty everywhere, at every point in history, is a cherished right that all men and women hold dear.”

The Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness

March 3, 2016 – present (2025): The Most Honourable Andrew Michael Holness, ON, PC, MP

“We cannot be satisfied with things as they are. We must create a Jamaica where there is hope and opportunity; where we can encourage our children to dream big, and to be optimistic about their life chances. A place where we can retire and truly enjoy as paradise.”

Download Prime Ministers Throughout The Year File

What Happens Next?

  • Swearing-in of the Cabinet Ministers
  • Swearing-in of the Members of Parliament
  • Swearing-in of the Senate

Social Media Spotlight

At-a-Glance

  • Date: September 16, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 pm
  • Venue: King’s House, Kingston
  • Host: Governor General
  • Coverage: JIS • PBCJ

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