Andrew Holness: I am pro-business

The Jamaican Prime Minister designate Andrew Holness (pictured), has pledged to reduce on the red-tape impeding the development and growth of business, while simultaneously addressing the needs of the poor, and social services like education and health.

“I want to make a very clear statement to the business sector that I am pro business”, Holness said, “For Jamaica to grow government must facilitate business and commerce.”

Holness is schedule to be sworn in as Jamaica’s nineth prime minister on Sunday. He has promised to fight corruption, improve efficiency, and vowed the debt-wracked island would fulfill its obligations and agreements with international partners.

Holness was first elected to Parliament in 1997, at the age of 25, and was once special assistant to former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, who was chief of the Labor Party until Golding took over in 2005.

The 81-year-old Seaga said his former assistant’s “firm disposition” gives him the “right characteristics” for the government’s No. 1 job. He urged Holness to give special focus to improving the economy, saying “until you fix that, you’re really not going anywhere.”

Political analysts said the selection of Holness will give the ruling party the best chance at beating the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) in 2012 general elections.