New Jamaica PM reaches out to the opposition

The new Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness (pictured), has written to the Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller, inviting her to walk and work with him as part of a move to end garrison politics in Jamaica.

In the letter dated October 27, Holness invited Simpson-Miller to walk with him in communities that fall within zones of political exclusion.

Holness, described the walk as an important symbolic step, which will signal collective commitment to act responsibly and coordinate well needed access to closed communities.

In his inaugural address at King’s House on Sunday, Prime Minister Holness said it was time for an end to garrison politics.

He also promised to communicate with Simpson-Miller on the issue and argued that political parties had it within their ability to end garrison politics.

Ms. Simpson-Miller has said she has no difficulty walking with Holness.

However, Simpson-Miller said the prime minister should take the lead by walking with his political opponent in his west central St. Andrew.