Andrew Michael Holness (born 22 July 1972) is a Jamaican politician who has served as Prime Minister of Jamaica since 3 March 2016. He previously led the government in a short period from October 2011 to 5 January 2012. A long-time member and leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Holness succeeded Bruce Golding as party leader and prime minister in 2011. For more general information about the office he holds, see Prime Minister of Jamaica, and for context on his succession, see Bruce Golding.

Holness came to national attention as a young parliamentarian and minister. Educated in Jamaica, he entered public life in his twenties and held ministerial responsibility for education before becoming party leader. His first premiership made him one of Jamaica's youngest prime ministers. After calling a general election in 2011 to seek a public mandate, his party was defeated and he relinquished office; he returned to lead the JLP into the 2016 general election and formed a government after that contest.

As prime minister Holness has emphasized economic development, fiscal management, crime reduction and investment in infrastructure and education. His government has pursued policies intended to stimulate growth, attract foreign investment, modernize public services and improve Jamaica's international economic competitiveness. He has also led Jamaica through international meetings and regional organizations, representing the country's interests abroad.

Holness's leadership is noted for a pragmatic, center-right approach consistent with his party's platform. His tenure has involved balancing domestic priorities—such as job creation, public safety and social programmes—with external pressures like global economic trends and the challenges posed by natural disasters and public health emergencies.

Notable facts

  • Born 22 July 1972 and styled as The Most Honourable after becoming prime minister, he holds the national honour Order of the Nation.
  • Served as Minister of Education prior to first becoming prime minister; returned to national leadership after winning the 2016 election.
  • Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, a major political party in Jamaica.
  • Has prioritized economic policy, education reform and crime reduction while in office.