Jamaican Education Minister Andrew Holness – favourite to take over as PM – has addressed hundreds of jubilant party supporters.

Although the meeting was planned as a delegates-only assembly for those in north east St Ann, was transformed into a massive political rally at the Ocho Rios High school where Holness also received more public support.

He said he was appreciative of the overwhelming support and pledged his heart, mind and hands to the
Jamaican people.

“Labourites, I am grateful that the delegates of St Ann turned out in their numbers. I am new to this position and you will take some time to get to know me, but you will get to know who your new leader is,” he said.

Holness declared that he was capable of leading the party and the country, even as he told supporters that he has a vision for the country. He said he would soon begin an islandwide consultative meeting on his vision.

He added: “I have a vision for my country and I will be going around the island to have a conversation about that vision. I want to say to the young people, I want to hear your vision as well, I want to help you achieve your dream, I want to help you achieve your aspirations.”

The 39-year-old also reiterated his stance on unity, continuity, stability, efficiency, equity and anti-corruption and said those issues would play an important role in his governance.

He also placed the jubilant flag-waving supporters on election alert, even as he pointed out that he was fit and ready to run the race, and lead the party into a second term in office.

“There is a race coming up,” Holness told the crowd. “I don’t know if it’s going to be the 100 metres, the 200 metres, the 400 metres, I don’t know, but whatever that race is, I know that I am fit, ready and capable to run that race.”

“Labourites, I want you to be fit, I want you to start going back to the gym,” Holness told the meeting that took on a carnival-like atmosphere with supporters dancing to popular dancehall and gospel music.

Meanwhile, Holness received the full backing of the parliamentarians in the parish as well as several councilors and other party functionaries who turned out to the mass meeting.

“For me, tonight is a dream come true” member of Parliament (MP) for south west St Ann, Ernest Smith, declared.

“In him I see the dreams and aspirations, not only of my children but your children and your grandchildren,” Smith added.

“Andrew Holness is someone in whom we are well pleased,” interjected Shahine Robinson, the MP for north east St Ann.