Juliet Holness returns as House Speaker

Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Rural, Juliet Holness, has been returned as the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the new term.

The parliamentary Opposition had said it would not support her reappointment, however, the ruling Jamaica Labour Party said the Government would not be bullied on the matter.

The Opposition People's National Party had asserted that in recent years, serious concerns have arisen regarding the manner in which the business of the House has been conducted, including obfuscation and inordinate delays in the tabling of critical reports to Parliament from the Auditor General and the Integrity Commission, under the leadership of successive Speakers—despite advice to the contrary from the Attorney General’s Chambers.

However, JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang hit back saying they were "baseless and spurious concerns" and that the Opposition's comments on the matter were "out of order and most inappropriate".

In her remarks following her swearing in, Holness, who is also the wife of the the prime minister, said now that the elections are over, members of the parliamnet should come together to work on behalf of the Jamaican people.

Pointing out that she does not make the rules of the parliament, Holness also pledged to continue work on the comprehensive review of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives "to plug any gaps identified, modernise procedures and give clearer guidance on complex processes".

She said the redraft will soon be placed before the Standing Orders Committee for vetting and deliberation before it is tabled in the House.

Heroy Clarke was also sworn in as deputy speaker.

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