Holness names three new government senators

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has announced medical doctor, Elon Thompson, senior adviser and strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright, and senior member of the Jamaica Labour Party's Communication Task Force Marlon Morgan will fill three vacant seats on the Government side of the Senate.

In a media release late Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) also announced the resignation of Ransford Braham from the Senate. Senators Matthew Samuda and Delroy Williams had already resigned.

Holness said he has written to Sir Patrick Allen, the Governor-General of Jamaica, recommending the new appointments.

Thompson is a medical doctor by profession with specialisation in the field of Urology. He is employed to the South East Regional Authority (SERHA) and leads the recently started Urology service at the Spanish Town Hospital and also practices privately in Kingston, Portmore and Mandeville. Thompson served as president of the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association from 2016 to 2020. He is a member of the Jamaica Urological Society, Caribbean Urological Association, American Urological Association and Association of Surgeons in Jamaica.

The OPM noted that Morgan is a communications specialist with over 15 years of experience at the senior executive level in shaping public policy. Over the years, Morgan has served as a director/council member on the Board of the following organizations: The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), HEART/NSTA Trust, Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC) and the Spectrum Management Authority. In 2016, Morgan served as a Senior Aide to Holness and for two years thereafter as senior advisor in the then Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries. He is also the former Vice President of the Jamaica Labour Party’s young professional affiliate – Generation 2000 (G2K).

Meanwhile, the OPM said Seiveright is a strategist, public policy expert, and advocate with extensive experience in governance, tourism development, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement. It said as Senior Advisor and Strategist to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, Seiveright plays a pivotal role in expanding and modernising Jamaica’s tourism sector, which has become a key pillar of the nation’s economy. Seiveright has also held leadership roles in youth and professional organisations, including serving as President of Generation 2000 (G2K), where he was the youngest person to hold the position.

Holness said the nominations reflect his administration's continued commitment to strong, effective leadership and governance. He highlighted that the new Senators bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will bolster the Government’s legislative efforts and further national priorities.

“The Senate plays a critical role in our democracy, ensuring the thorough review and passage of legislation that impacts the lives of all Jamaicans. I have strategically selected these professionals because of the immense expertise they bring to Jamaica. I have every confidence they will uphold the highest standards of public service, contribute meaningfully to the legislative process and, ultimately, accelerate Jamaica's development," said Holness.

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