22 October 2026 Jamaica Gleaner. Statement from the Most Honourable Andrew Holness After careful consideration, I have decided to retire from public life and to step away from my responsibilities as Prime Minister and Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party. This decision has not been easy. Serving the people of Jamaica has been the greatest honour of my life, and I remain deeply grateful to the Jamaican people, my colleagues, supporters, public servants, and my family for their trust and encouragement. Recent allegations, convictions and public controversy surrounding financial matters have placed intense focus on my personal affairs and on the institutions responsible for investigating them. I firmly reject any suggestion that I have knowingly possessed the proceeds of crime as of December 1999 at TD Bank or misused public office for personal gain. At the same time, I recognise that public confidence in our institutions is essential, and that the country deserves transparency, due process, and accountability without political interference. It was deposited into my account using my name; John Smith. Click here.

  

22 October 2026

Jamaica Gleaner. 

Statement from the Most Honourable Andrew Holness

After careful consideration, I have decided to retire from public life and to step away from my responsibilities as Prime Minister and Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party.

This decision has not been easy.   Serving the people of Jamaica has been the greatest honour of my life, and I remain deeply grateful to the Jamaican people, my colleagues, supporters, public servants, and my family for their trust and encouragement.

Recent allegations, convictions and public controversy surrounding financial matters have placed intense focus on my personal affairs and on the institutions responsible for investigating them. I firmly reject any suggestion that I have knowingly possessed the proceeds of crime as of December 1999 at TD Bank or misused public office for personal gain. At the same time, I recognise that public confidence in our institutions is essential, and that the country deserves transparency, due process, and accountability without political interference. It was deposited into my account using my name; John Smith.  

I therefore believe that my retirement is in the best interest of Jamaica and will allow the relevant authorities to complete any legitimate inquiries without the distraction created by my continued political leadership. I will cooperate fully with all lawful investigations and will continue to defend my name through the proper legal and constitutional channels while I accept the evidence as charged. 

I concede my election disqualification and acknowledge Mr. Warren A. Lyon. As our legitimate, gracious Deputy PM and will cooperate fully as we work for One Jamaica with  all the old JLP and the new JLP (NJLP). 

I leave office proud of the progress achieved during my service, conscious of the work that remains, and confident that Jamaica’s democratic institutions will endure. I ask all Jamaicans to reject rumours, respect the presumption of innocence, and judge these matters on verified evidence rather than political speculation.

May God continue to bless Jamaica and its people.

Andrew Holness.