UK Diaspora Calls for Bold Leadership After Jamaica’s 2025 Elections

As Jamaica ushers in another Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government, led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness for a historic third consecutive term, a strong message is coming from across the Atlantic: do not grow complacent.

The warning comes from members of the Jamaican diaspora in the United Kingdom, who remain deeply invested in the island’s future. While the JLP’s victory secures continuity, the party’s reduced majority, winning 35 seats compared to 49 in 2020 reflects a shifting political mood and signals that Jamaicans are demanding more.

Diaspora Voices: Raising the Bar for Leadership

Education consultant Dr Tony Sewell CBE expressed concern that the government might fall back into routine, rolling out infrastructure projects without addressing deeper systemic issues. He noted that nearly half of Jamaican children leave primary school unable to read or write: a crisis that cannot be ignored. His call was clear: Jamaicans must hold their leaders to account and raise expectations for governance beyond the basics of roads and water. Only by tackling these root problems can the nation truly secure lasting progress.

Patrick Vernon’s Push Towards Sovereignty and Innovation

Professor Patrick Vernon OBE, praised the JLP’s polished campaign but stressed that what Jamaica needs now is bold policy direction, that prioritises:

Moving Jamaica towards Republican status, cutting ties with the British monarchy.
Replacing the Privy Council in London with a regional final court of appeal.
Advancing CARICOM’s 10-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice, with Holness now chairing the regional bloc.
Embracing technology and digital skills development to prepare Jamaica’s workforce, while tapping into the UK’s Black tech talent to help fuel economic growth.

Strengthening Diaspora Ties

For Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo MBE, director of the Windrush National Organisation, the focus must be on strengthening relationships between Jamaica and its diaspora. Too often, he argued, collaboration has been limited to Windrush inquiries, when in reality, the diaspora plays a vital role in Jamaica’s survival through remittances, advocacy, and expertise.

He urged the government to foster industries that generate jobs and build self-sufficiency, echoing the vision of Marcus Garvey. For Jaddoo, true progress will come when Jamaica can stand on its own economic feet while staying connected to its global family.

A Call for Unity and Vision

The underlying message from the UK diaspora is clear: Jamaica cannot afford to rest on its laurels. Reduced voter confidence, systemic challenges in education and infrastructure, and the global economic climate all demand innovative, visionary leadership.

As Prime Minister Holness himself declared, this government must be “laser focused” on prosperity for all Jamaicans. The diaspora, however, is reminding him and the nation that prosperity requires more than promises. It requires unity, bold reforms, and an unrelenting pursuit of self-sufficiency and justice.