Former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.
REUTERS/Andrew Winning
In the aftermath of the worst hurricane to hit Jamaica, a move that underscores the scope and intensity of the national recovery efforts, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, called on two of the country’s most experienced former leaders. P.J. Patterson, statesman and former prime minister, and Bruce Golding, former prime minister, to assist in steering the country’s rebuilding efforts following the extensive disaster caused by Hurricane Melissa.
With Patterson and Golding bringing decades of political and crisis management experience to the table, and both men having led Jamaica through periods of economic challenges, reform, and reconstruction.
Their involvement signals a uniform bipartisan approach to recovery, one that prioritizes national interest over political affiliation.
Patterson, who served as prime minister from 1992 to 2006, brings his steady leadership skills to the table during times of global economic turbulence and for laying the groundwork for Jamaica’s modern infrastructure development. His diplomatic reach and financial acumen are expected to be valuable assets in engaging international partners and mobilizing long-term recovery funding.
Golding, who served from 2007 to 2011, is recognized for his emphasis on governance reform and fiscal accountability. His tenure coincides with efforts to stabilize Jamaica’s public finances and strengthen accountability mechanisms within the government. These skills prove helpful as the administration seeks to ensure transparency and efficiency in the distribution of aid and reconstruction resources.
Joining them in the national effort is Bishop Herro Blair, a former political Ombudsman, who has been tasked with coordinating resources from churches and faith-based organizations, with deep roots in community engagement and social advocacy. Bishop Blair’s leadership aims to strengthen the humanitarian response and ensure that vulnerable communities receive the emotional and spiritual support they need during the recovery process.
While the specific roles of Patterson and Golding have not yet been fully outlined, Holness has emphasized the importance of drawing on their wisdom and institutional knowledge as Jamaica embarks on what he described as one of the most complex reconstruction efforts in its history.
“The inclusion of former leaders in the process highlights a spirit of national unity and continuity with the government seeking to blend experience, moral leadership, and modern strategy to guide Jamaica’s recovery. As the island rebuilds its homes, economy, and hope, the coming together of past and present leadership offers a powerful reminder that in moments of crisis, Jamaica’s greatest strength lies in the collective resolve,” Holness said.
