Broken Promises? What Andrew Holness Promised (2016 → 2025) — And What Still Hasn’t Been Delivered

By 876NEWSJA Desk — Updated: Sept 2, 2025

Andrew Holness promises change in 2016. Nine years later, many pledges remain unfulfilled. See the biggest broken promises from 2016–2025.

Introduction

When Andrew Holness and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) swept into power in 2016, they promised a bold vision of progress: constitutional reform, better housing, improved infrastructure, and stronger youth programs. Fast forward to 2025 — nearly a decade later — many of those pledges remain unfinished, delayed, or significantly watered down.

This article breaks down the biggest promises Holness made in 2016 and examines what truly happened.

1. Fixed Election Dates & Term Limits

• Promise: Holness pledged constitutional reform to fix election dates and introduce term limits for Prime Ministers.
• Reality (2025): Still “under consideration.” No law has been passed. Elections remain at the discretion of the sitting PM.

Status: ❌ Not delivered

2. National Identification System (NIDS / Digital ID)

• Promise: A modern digital ID system for all Jamaicans.
• Reality: The first attempt was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2019. A revised rollout began in 2024, but adoption remains slow and controversial.

Status: ⚠️ Partly delivered, far behind schedule

3. Selling State Assets & Privatisation

• Promise: Public listings of state entities like UDC, FCJ, and parts of NWC to raise capital.
• Reality: Limited progress. Consultations happened, but no major entities were fully listed.

Status: ❌ Not delivered

4. Intergenerational Mortgages via NHT

• Promise: 50–60 year mortgages to make housing more affordable.
• Reality: Announced in 2019, but only small-scale pilots exist. Affordability issues remain.

Status: ⚠️ Partly implemented

5. National Water Commission (NWC) Reform

• Promise: Major upgrades to water infrastructure.
• Reality: Although several phased projects have been announced, frequent supply issues persist.

Status: ⚠️ Still in progress

6. National Apprenticeship & Youth Jobs

• Promise: Large-scale youth employment programs.
• Reality: Small expansions have been made, but not the sweeping job creation once promised.

Status: ⚠️ Partly delivered

7. Constitutional Reform & Republic Transition

• Promise: Move Jamaica toward becoming a republic.
• Reality: The Republic Bill (2024) was introduced, but the full transition is not yet complete.

Status: ⚠️ In progress

Why Many Promises Failed

Several factors explain the gap between Holness’s promises and reality:

• Legal hurdles: NIDS was blocked by the courts.
• Public resistance: Strong opposition slowed reforms.
• Budget constraints: Big projects stretched across many years.
• Political caution: Sensitive issues like privatisation remain unfinished.

What Was Delivered

Despite delays, Holness’s government did achieve some wins: tax reforms, targeted welfare programs, road upgrades, and phased infrastructure projects. But compared to the bold promises of 2016, the delivery gap is striking.

Final Thoughts

Andrew Holness entered office promising transformation. Nine years later, many Jamaicans are asking tough questions: Why are so many promises still unfulfilled?

As the country looks ahead to future elections, these broken or delayed promises could define Holness’s legacy.

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🌟 Outro – For the Voters of Tomorrow

The future of Jamaica rests not only in the hands of today’s leaders but in the choices of tomorrow’s voters. Each promise kept—or broken—teaches a lesson about accountability, courage, and the power of informed decision-making. As you step into your role as a voter, remember: your voice shapes the nation, your questions demand answers, and your votes build the Jamaica you want to see.

Be curious. Be vigilant. Be fearless. The nation is counting on you.

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