Jalil Dabdoub | With malice towards none

The dust of the election has settled, and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has emerged victorious in a closely contested race. Congratulations are due to the prime minister Dr. Andrew Holness and the JLP. In moments like these, leadership is not just about celebration; it is about rising above partisanship to unify a country still bearing the bruises of political contest. The task now is to bridge divides, heal wounds, and lead by example.

This victory marks a historic third term for the JLP under Dr. Andrew Holness, a milestone no other JLP leader has achieved. It is, or at least ought to be, a humbling experience. What has been entrusted to Dr Holness is not just power, but responsibility—a sacred charge to serve all Jamaicans, regardless of how they voted.

In moments like this, one would expect messages from both party leaders to reflect unity, humility, and a spirit of national consensus. The speeches delivered by both leaders on election night are therefore telling and instructive.

Mark Golding, in conceding defeat, struck a tone of humility and grace. Under his leadership, the People’s National Party (PNP) clawed back from a dismal 14 seats to a reinvigorated 29. His concession speech was filled with gratitude, a deep respect for Jamaica’s democratic institutions, and a call for national maturity in accepting electoral outcomes. Notwithstanding his reference to challenges on the day and to the fairness of the process, his was a speech that put Jamaica first, and exemplified the kind of leadership that builds faith in the political process.

NEVER EASY

It is never easy to strike the perfect tone in the euphoria of victory, but Dr. Holness, on the other hand, seems to have missed a critical opportunity. Rather than embracing the moment with humility and a unifying vision, his speech came across as defensive, at times even defiant; despite his party actually losing ground by 15 seats. He focused heavily on personal attacks he had allegedly endured, framing the campaign as a battle he alone had withstood. He urged his party members not to be arrogant—but then reminded the nation of the very arrogance he dismissed.

He exalted his campaign as clean and disciplined, yet used it as an opportunity to cast aspersions. When the public trusts you, do not tempt them with reminders that you withstood trials—not when they long to be invited into unity.

And while it is true that the JLP leader was addressing a political crowd at the party headquarters, it matters not. He would have known that the nation was watching, listening, and searching for signs of the leadership tone he would set. This was not just a party victory speech, it was the first national address of a new historic term, and it required the stature that such a moment demands.

Holness words seem to have rang hollow against the defiant assertion of invincibility. The nation needed a bridge; instead, what many heard felt more like a wall.

This was an election marred by concerns about integrity and transparency, what was needed was not self-congratulation, but a sober acknowledgement of the challenges ahead—and a heartfelt thank you to the people of Jamaica.

When the margins are narrow, and the context is fraught with questions about governance and ethics, humility is not optional—it is essential. Victory then is something powerful—it is a chance to lead differently.

MATTERS DEEPLY

The tone set at the beginning of a new mandate matters deeply. It sends signals to the country whether we are entering a period of inclusive, transparent leadership—or more of the arrogance and opacity that have for decades plagued our political culture.

Holness’s speech seemed to lack the grace of a victor who understands how narrow mandates demand broad compassion. It offered defiance where humility was needed, arrogance where we needed unity. There were too many echoes of personal vindication where we expected resolve for national healing.

Dr. Holness, the moment demands more. Not posturing, not tribulation, but openness. “With malice toward none, with charity for all,” lead us to build trust that outlasts electoral victory. Set aside the notion of purity under siege—let a third term be governed by humility, transparency, and tangible service.

Let your first steps in office breathe integrity rather than reinforce doubt. The people have entrusted you with something special. Lead with humility. Lead with integrity. Lead with vision.

No leader is perfect in every moment. But what matters is how they respond after the fact—how they adjust, learn, and grow into the mandate the people have given them.

There is still time to set a tone that brings Jamaica together. The opportunity is not lost—it just wasn’t seized in that moment. We hope the days ahead charts a different course. A course that will lead us to a new type of leadership and political culture.

Jalil S. Dabdoub is an attorney-at-law. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com