CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has extended heartiest congratulations to newly elected Prime Minister of Jamaica, Mr. Andrew Holness.

“I look forward to working with you in continuing to strengthen our integration movement in the interest of the people of Jamaica and of the wider Caribbean Community, the Secretary-General said in his congratulatory letter.

He told Prime Minister Holness the victory of the Jamaica Labour Party in the General Elections of 25 February has provided him with the opportunity to guide his nation through a challenging period in its history.

“You can be assured of my support and that of the staff of the CARICOM Secretariat in your efforts to maintain and build on the progress that your country has made over the years.  This in turn would, no doubt, redound to the benefit of the wider Community,” Ambassador LaRocque said.

Mr. Holness led the Labour Party to a 32-31 victory to regain the leadership of the country after serving for a short period as Prime Minister just prior to the December 2011 elections.

“The experience you would have gained, having served previously as Prime Minister, would no doubt assist you as you go forward in fulfilling the mandate given to you by the people of Jamaica,” the SG noted.