Juliet Holness Pledges Bigger Reforms, Efficiency in New Term as Speaker

Jamaica’s newly sworn-in Members of Parliament and senators were reminded by Speaker Juliet Holness that her role is not to make the rules, but to ensure they are followed impartially.

“In my previous term as Speaker, we made meaningful progress—from fostering robust debates on legislative reforms to renovating the members’ lounge and enhancing the comfort and convenience of our parliamentary physical space. I assure you these accomplishments are just the beginning. This term, I am committed to pursuing even greater reforms and transformative initiatives to make our Parliament more efficient, dignified and accessible,” Holness said.

Holness further emphasised her commitment to modernising parliamentary procedures. “The Speaker does not make the rules but humbly and, if necessary, firmly ensures that they are followed by all members without fear or favour. It is with this in mind that I will continue our partnership within the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association for a comprehensive review of the standing orders for the House of Representatives—to plug any gaps identified, modernise procedures and give clearer guidance on complex processes,” she added.

Addressing the House, Holness encouraged respectful and focused discourse among members. “Now that the dust has settled, the people have spoken and the competition is over. Let us combine the fire within our blood, our passion for prosperity, to work diligently on behalf of the Jamaican people. While we may not always agree and often disagree on the best route to achieve outcomes, I invite every member of this honourable House to keep our discourse respectful, compliant and focused on our singular objective: the interest of our people of Jamaica,” she said.

The reappointment of Holness faced opposition from the People’s National Party (PNP), which argued it has no confidence in her or Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert’s ability to serve as impartial arbiters of parliamentary proceedings. The governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), however, insisted it would not be “bullied” into excluding any potential candidates for the position of Speaker.