Jamaica - Head of Government

The Hon Orette Bruce Golding was sworn in as the eighth Prime Minister of Jamaica on 11 September 2007 after leading the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to victory in the 3 September general election.

Mr Golding was formerly Leader of the Opposition from April 2005 to September 2007. He became head of the JLP in February 2005.

Mr Golding was Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade from 2002 to 2005. He was elected Chairperson of the JLP in November 2003 after rejoining in 2002.

From 1995 to 2001, Mr Golding served as President of the National Democratic Movement. Between 1984 and 1995, he was Chairperson of the JLP. Prior to that, he served as General Secretary of the JLP from 1974 to 1984.

Mr Golding was the Opposition Spokesperson on Finance and Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee from 1989 to 1995. He was appointed Minister of Construction in 1980, serving in that position until 1989. Mr Golding was elected Chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Settlements from 1984 to 1985.

Mr Golding became a Member of Parliament in 1972. He was a member of the Central Executive Committee of the JLP in 1969.

Mr Golding has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of the West Indies.

He was born on 5 December 1947.

More at: www.jis.gov.jm