As Dr Andrew Holness reaches for the milestone of a third consecutive term as Prime Minister, he also arrives at another landmark—his birthday.

Today (Tuesday, July 22) marks Holness’ 54th birthday, and even after half a century, he still exudes a seemingly endless amount of energy and passion.

The Prime Minister is greatly loved by many, on the one hand, and not so much on the other. However, what all can agree on is that Holness is a man who makes waves.

A native of Ensom City in Spanish Town, Holness attended St Catherine High School, gaining a reputation as an excellent debater and intellectual. At St Catherine High, he showed his remarkable abilities as a leader for the first time, being both the Headboy and Valedictorian for his year group.

Holness’ Alma mater was also where he met his future wife, Juliet Holness. The couple tied the knot in 1997, the same year Holness won his first election as the candidate for St. Andrew West Central. The Holnesses have two sons, Adam and Matthew.

Then 25 years old, Holness was one of the youngest elected members of parliament in the history of Jamaica. He had been introduced to politics while attending the University of the West Indies (UWI) by then opposition leader Edward Seaga.

After completing his Master’s in Development Studies, Holness briefly worked as Seaga’s financial and personal assistant, but soon moved on to greater things. It was Seaga who had encouraged him to be the JLP’s candidate for St Andrew West Central, and he took on the role with gusto.

Upon being made an MP, Holness served as the opposition spokesperson for Land, Development, and Housing. After Bruce Golding took the reins of the JLP and won the 2007 election, Holness was appointed Minister of Education.

In 2011, Golding was forced to step down following several interconnected scandals related to the 2010 State of Emergency in West Kingston, better known as the “Tivoli Incursion” that was set in motion by a US request for Tivoli Gardens’ don Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke. He nominated Holness to be his successor, in what was a shock to many.

At the age of 39, Holness became the youngest party leader and Prime Minister in the history of Jamaica. He wouldn’t remain in office for long, being ousted in 2011 by the PNP, led then by Portia Simpson Miller.

However, after five years in the opposition, Holness was back, securing a very narrow win against the PNP in the 2016 general election. His wife, Juliet, would also successfully run for and win the St Andrew East Rural Constituency, making them the first husband-and-wife pair to sit in parliament at the same time.

Holness has gone on to steer the country into the present day, winning another general election in 2020. He has successfully guided the country through the COVID-19 pandemic, paying off its IMF debts, and steadily reducing crime and lowering unemployment, among other things.

The Prime Minister has admitted that it has not always been easy, but that he is dedicated, above all else, to the sustainability, growth and development of Jamaica, leading it to a better future.

And with that, we wish the Prime Minister a good future as well.

Happy birthday, Mr Prime Minister!