Damion Blake, associate professor of political science and public policy at Elon University: “Andrew Holness etched his name in Jamaica’s political history by securing a third consecutive term in power as leader of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP). The JLP’s victory stemmed from its ability to campaign on tangible achievements. Between 2024 and 2025, murders declined by 43 percent, and the government invested heavily in road construction, water projects and port facilities. At the macroeconomic level, Holness’ administration stabilized the economy and cut the national debt, which allowed greater public spending on policing and infrastructure. The World Bank praised Jamaica’s ‘significant strides’ in reducing public debt, which fell from more than 140 percent of GDP in 2013 to 73.4 percent in 2023-2024. With unemployment at 3.3 percent, the lowest in the country’s history, the JLP persuaded voters with a message of stability and security. By contrast…”