Jamaica’s Next Finance Minister…Andrew Holness?

Who will be the country’s next finance minister?

That’s the burning question, with just two days to go before Dr. Nigel Clarke steps down to assume his new role at the International Monetary Fund, IMF.

Dr. Clarke was appointed deputy managing director of the IMF in August. His appointment becomes effective this Thursday, October 31.

Yet, the country remains in the dark about who will replace him in the critical finance portfolio.

Robian Williams reports.

The public and political commentators are eager for an answer to the question of who will be Jamaica’s next finance minister. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has yet to announce who will be Dr. Nigel Clarke’s successor.

Financial accountant and commentator Dennis Chung believes the prime minister should select someone with credibility and public confidence to be the country’s next finance minister.

Mr. Chung suggests that Member of Parliament for Eastern St. Andrew, Fayval Williams, would be a strong candidate.

Mr. Chung says it’s also possible that Prime Minister Holness may assume the finance portfolio himself.

However, he cautioned that Prime Minister Holness, who is already the Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation, may have too many responsibilities.

But, public commentator Germaine Barrett believes that it would be a strategic move for the prime minister to take over the finance ministry, as this could help sustain the country’s economic growth trajectory.

As the country awaits the decision, all eyes are on Prime Minister Andrew Holness to see who will be chosen to lead Jamaica’s financial sector through this pivotal transition.