News of the Prime Minister’s appointment to the Privy Council by Her Majesty The Queen was announced through a statement by the Governor-General of Jamaica on Thursday, June 8.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is to attend a meeting of the Privy Council, at the first convenient opportunity to take the oath or affirm in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen.

Peter Champagnie, QC says while it is not unusual for heads of government to be appointed to the Privy Council, it is a distinguished position. He emphasizes that it’s important for Jamaicans not to confuse the privy council with the judicial committee of the Privy Council. The appointment which became effective on May 26, 2021, means the accepted form of address of the Prime Minister is ‘The Most Honorable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister.’

As to what the long-term ramifications are, and the meaning of the appointment, CVM TV’s Christeen Forbes sought to clarify in this report: