St Kitts - CARICOM chairman congratulates Holness

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) chairman, Dr Denzil Douglas, says new Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness takes over the leadership of his country "in an era characterised by unprecedented challenges and phenomenal developments that are reverberating indiscriminately throughout the international community".

In a congratulatory message to Holness, 39, the youngest-ever head of government in Jamaica, Dr Douglas, who is also the prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis, said he also looked forward to working with Jamaica for the continued development of the regional integration process.

Holness was sworn into office last Sunday after Prime Minister Bruce Golding tendered his resignation as both the head of government and the ruling Jamaica Labour Party. Golding remains a member of the Jamaica Parliament.

In his congratulatory message, Dr Douglas said, "Inspired by your own vision for the betterment of your country and the well-being of the proud people of Jamaica, there is no doubt that you would initiate the changes that, in your view, would engender the requisite reform in areas of priority and advance the thrust towards sustainment of best practices, especially in these critical times."