KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug 6, CMC – Jamaica is celebrating its 63rd anniversary of political independence from Britain on Wednesday with the eyes of the political leadership of the country firmly fixed on the upcoming general elections that some political observers say could be held early in September.
While Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen urged Jamaicans to continue building a “Jamaica that reflects the dreams of our ancestors and the aspirations of every citizen,” the message from the leadership of the two main political parties was geared to wards voters in the country.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who in 2016, aged 43, became Jamaica’s youngest ever elected head of government, is seeking a third consecutive term in office at the helm of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). He is being challenged by Mark Golding, the leader of the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP).
This year’s independence is being observed under the theme “’Be Proud. Be Bold. In the Black, Green and Gold’ and Holness said that Jamaicans should be “proud of our progress, in macroeconomic stability, record employment, resilient growth, reduction in crime, reduction in poverty and increased national confidence”.
(Details in Politics section)
CMC/2025