Prime Minister of Jamaica facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Prime Minister of Jamaica
Standard of the Prime Minister of Jamaica
Emblem of the Prime Minister of Jamaica
Incumbent Andrew Holness since 3 March 2016
Style	The Most Honourable
Member of	Cabinet
Reports to	The Governor General Of Jamaica
Residence	Vale Royal (Jamaica)
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 (called Prime Minista a Jumieka in Jamaican Patois) is the main leader of the government in Jamaica. Think of them as the head of the country's team. The current Prime Minister is Andrew Holness. He is the leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

Mr. Holness became Prime Minister on 7 September 2020. This happened after his party won a big election in 2020. The Governor-General officially appoints the Prime Minister. The Governor-General represents King Charles III in Jamaica.

Official Homes and Offices

The front lawns of Vale Royal, a historic residence.

The official home for the Prime Minister of Jamaica is called Vale Royal. This building was first built way back in 1694. It was owned by Sir William Taylor, who was one of the richest people in Jamaica at that time.

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 Minister. Vale Royal is not open for public visits.

The main office for the Prime Minister is at Jamaica House. This has been the office location since 1972. Some Prime Ministers used to live at Jamaica House from 1964 to 1980. However, in 2022, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that Jamaica House is his official home. 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 Time

Jamaica has had different types of leaders over the years. Before becoming fully independent, the country had "Chief Ministers" and "Premiers." These roles were important steps towards having a Prime Minister.

Chief Ministers (1953–1959)

These leaders helped guide Jamaica before it gained more self-rule.

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

Premiers (1959–1962)

The role of Premier was another step towards full independence.

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

Prime Ministers (1962–Present)

Jamaica became fully independent on 6 August 1962. From this date, the leader of the government became known as the Prime Minister.

Key: † Died while in office

No.	Portrait	Prime Minister (Born–Died)	Took office	Left office	Time in office	Political party	Election
1		Sir Alexander Bustamante (1884–1977)	6 August 1962	23 February 1967	4 years, 201 days	JLP	1962
2		Sir Donald Sangster (1911–1967)	23 February 1967	11 April 1967 †	47 days	JLP	1967
3		Hugh Shearer (1923–2004)	11 April 1967	2 March 1972	4 years, 326 days	JLP	—
4		Michael Manley (1924–1997)	2 March 1972	1 November 1980	8 years, 244 days	PNP	1972 1976
5		Edward Seaga (1930–2019)	1 November 1980	10 February 1989	8 years, 101 days	JLP	1980 1983
4		Michael Manley (1924–1997)	10 February 1989	30 March 1992	3 years, 49 days	PNP	1989
6		P. J. Patterson (born 1935)	30 March 1992	30 March 2006	14 years, 0 days	PNP	1993 1997 2002
7		Portia Simpson-Miller (born 1945)	30 March 2006	11 September 2007	1 year, 165 days	PNP	—
8		Bruce Golding (born 1947)	11 September 2007	23 October 2011	4 years, 42 days	JLP	2007
9		Andrew Holness (born 1972)	23 October 2011	5 January 2012	74 days	JLP	—
7		Portia Simpson-Miller (born 1945)	5 January 2012	3 March 2016	4 years, 58 days	PNP	2011
9		Andrew Holness (born 1972)	3 March 2016	Incumbent	9 years, 113 days	JLP	2016 2020

Timeline of Prime Ministers

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

More About Jamaica's Government

• Prime Ministers of Queen Elizabeth II
• List of Commonwealth Heads of Government
• Politics of Jamaica
• Privy Council of Jamaica
• Prime Minister of the West Indies Federation
• Governor-General of Jamaica
• Deputy Prime Minister of Jamaica
• List of heads of state of Jamaica
• List of Privy Counsellors (1952–2022)