Kingston, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has unveiled and sworn in a new Cabinet for Jamaica, comprising eighteen ministers who took their oaths at King’s House on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The appointments signal a strategic blend of continuity, retaining many experienced ministers from the previous administration, alongside key returns and new additions, aiming to drive the nation’s development agenda forward.
Swearing-In Ceremony Marks New Administration
The formal swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, underscored the solemn trust and grave responsibilities vested in the newly appointed ministers. The event, held at the official residence of the Governor-General, took place following Prime Minister Holness’s own swearing-in for a third consecutive term on September 16. The Prime Minister emphasized that this new term is built on a foundation of stability, renewal, and a clear mandate from the electorate to deliver concrete results for the Jamaican people.
Core Ministries Maintain Experienced Leadership
Many of the key portfolios remain under the stewardship of familiar faces, reflecting a commitment to maintaining momentum on existing programmes and policies. Dr. Horace Chang continues as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace. Mrs. Fayval Williams is once again at the helm of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, tasked with steering the nation’s economic course. Other senior ministers who retained their positions include Hon. Edmund Bartlett as Minister of Tourism, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange as Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Delroy Chuck as Minister of Justice, and Hon. Desmond McKenzie as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. This continuity is seen as crucial for executing the government’s vision for a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Jamaica.
Notable Returns and New Faces
The new Cabinet also features significant developments, most notably the return of Dr. Andrew Wheatley and Mr. Robert Montague to ministerial roles. Dr. Wheatley, who previously resigned seven years ago, is now Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, focusing on science, technology, and special projects. Mr. Montague, absent for three-and-a-half years following his resignation in March 2022, has been appointed Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, with responsibility for land titling and settlements. Ambassador Audrey Marks makes her debut in the Cabinet as Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, overseeing efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation. These appointments suggest a strategic infusion of experience and fresh perspectives into key areas of governance.
Departures and Portfolio Adjustments
Notably absent from the new lineup is Marlene Malahoo Forte, the former Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs. Her responsibilities have been integrated into the Ministry of Justice, now renamed the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Constitutional Affairs, under the continued leadership of Hon. Delroy Chuck. This adjustment reflects a strategic realignment of portfolios to enhance efficiency and streamline governmental operations.
A Vision for Transformation and Growth
Prime Minister Holness has set clear expectations for his Cabinet, emphasizing that this third term is a mandate for results and performance. He highlighted the importance of succession planning and renewal, aiming to balance stability with new leadership, thinking, and approaches. The administration’s overarching goal is to build on past achievements—such as sustained debt reduction, a historically low unemployment rate, and strong international reserves—and to accelerate Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, thereby improving the quality of life for all Jamaicans. The focus is on unlocking Jamaica’s full potential and fostering safer communities, better services, and greater opportunities for every citizen.
Looking Ahead
The newly appointed Cabinet signifies a deliberate strategy by Prime Minister Holness to leverage existing knowledge while embracing necessary change. The focus on continuity in key ministries, coupled with the return of experienced figures and the introduction of new talent, aims to provide the stability needed to pursue ambitious development goals. The administration’s commitment to transformation and growth, underscored by the Prime Minister’s recent news, sets the stage for the coming term in Jamaica’s governance, with an eye toward long-term prosperity and societal advancement for its entire community.