kids encyclopedia robot

Prime Minister of Jamaica facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Prime Minister of Jamaica
Flag of the Prime Minister of Jamaica.svg
Standard of the Prime Minister of Jamaica
Prime Minister of Jamaica emblem.svg
Emblem of the Prime Minister of Jamaica
Andrew Holness Press (cropped).jpg
Incumbent
Andrew Holness

since 3 March 2016
Style The Most Honourable
Member of Cabinet
Reports to Governor-General
Residence Vale Royal
Seat Dusit District, Kingston
Appointer Governor-General
Term length 5 years
Renewable
Formation 6 August 1962
Deputy Deputy Prime Minister
Salary J$28,587,983 annually
Website www.opm.jm


The prime minister of Jamaica (in Jamaican Patois, Prime Minista a Jumieka) is the main leader of the government in Jamaica. Think of them as the head of the team that runs the country. The current prime minister is Andrew Holness.

Mr. Holness is the leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). He became prime minister on March 3, 2016. He was re-elected on September 7, 2020, after his party won a big victory in the 2020 general election. The Governor-General officially appoints the prime minister. The Governor-General represents King Charles III in Jamaica.

Where the Prime Minister Lives and Works

Valeroyal
The front lawns of Vale Royal, the Prime Minister's official residence.

The official home for the prime minister of Jamaica is a place called Vale Royal. This beautiful house was built a long time ago in 1694. It was built by Sir William Taylor, who was one of the richest people in Jamaica back then.

In 1928, the government bought Vale Royal. It became the home for the British colonial secretary. Later, it became the official residence for Jamaica's prime ministers. Vale Royal is not open to the public.

The main office for the prime minister is at Jamaica House. Prime ministers used to live there from 1964 to 1980. Since 1972, it has been the official office. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said that Jamaica House is his official residence. He also mentioned that Vale Royal needs repairs. After it's fixed, they will decide how to use it in the future.

Jamaica's Leaders Through the Years

Jamaica has had different titles for its top leader before becoming fully independent.

Chief Ministers of Jamaica (1953–1959)

Before Jamaica became an independent country, its main leader was called the Chief Minister. This role was important in helping Jamaica move towards self-governance.

No. Portrait Chief Minister
(Birth–Death)
Term of office Political party Election
Took office Left office Time in office
1
Sir Alexander Bustamante
Sir Alexander Bustamante
(1884–1977)
5 May 1953 2 February 1955 1 year, 273 days JLP
2
Norman Manley
Norman Manley
(1893–1969)
2 February 1955 14 August 1959 4 years, 193 days PNP 1955

Premiers of Jamaica (1959–1962)

After the Chief Minister role, the leader was called the Premier. This was the final step before Jamaica gained full independence in 1962.

No. Portrait Premier
(Birth–Death)
Term of office Political party Election
Took office Left office Time in office
1
Norman Manley
Norman Manley
(1893–1969)
14 August 1959 29 April 1962 2 years, 258 days PNP 1959
2
Sir Alexander Bustamante
Sir Alexander Bustamante
(1884–1977)
29 April 1962 6 August 1962 99 days JLP 1962

Prime Ministers of Jamaica (1962–Present)

Since Jamaica became independent on August 6, 1962, the country's top leader has been known as the Prime Minister.

Key: Died in office

No. Portrait Prime Minister
(Birth–Death)
Term of office Political party Election
Took office Left office Time in office
1
Sir Alexander Bustamante
Sir Alexander Bustamante
(1884–1977)
6 August 1962 23 February 1967 4 years, 201 days JLP
2
Sir Donald Sangster
Sir Donald Sangster
(1911–1967)
23 February 1967 11 April 1967 † 47 days JLP 1967
3
Hugh Shearer
Hugh Shearer
(1923–2004)
11 April 1967 2 March 1972 4 years, 326 days JLP
4
Michael Manley
Michael Manley
(1924–1997)
2 March 1972 1 November 1980 8 years, 244 days PNP 1972
1976
5
Edward Seaga
Edward Seaga
(1930–2019)
1 November 1980 10 February 1989 8 years, 101 days JLP 1980
1983
(4)
Michael Manley
Michael Manley
(1924–1997)
10 February 1989 30 March 1992 3 years, 49 days PNP 1989
6
P. J. Patterson
P. J. Patterson
(born 1935)
30 March 1992 30 March 2006 14 years, 0 days PNP 1993
1997
2002
7
Portia Simpson-Miller
Portia Simpson-Miller
(born 1945)
30 March 2006 11 September 2007 1 year, 165 days PNP
8
Bruce Golding
Bruce Golding
(born 1947)
11 September 2007 23 October 2011 4 years, 42 days JLP 2007
9
Andrew Holness
Andrew Holness
(born 1972)
23 October 2011 5 January 2012 74 days JLP
(7)
Portia Simpson-Miller
Portia Simpson-Miller
(born 1945)
5 January 2012 3 March 2016 4 years, 58 days PNP 2011
(9)
Andrew Holness
Andrew Holness
(born 1972)
3 March 2016 Incumbent 9 years, 151 days JLP 2016
2020

Timeline of Prime Ministers

This timeline shows when each Prime Minister served. It helps you see how long each person was in office.

Andrew Holness Bruce Golding Portia Simpson-Miller P. J. Patterson Edward Seaga Michael Manley Hugh Shearer Donald Sangster Norman Manley Alexander Bustamante

More About Jamaica's Government

kids search engine
Prime Minister of Jamaica Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.