Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that a by-election will take place in North East St Ann on September 30, with nomination day scheduled for September 11.

In preparation for the by-election, Government Senator and Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda, has resigned from both his senatorial post and ministerial duties. This move allows him to be nominated as the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) candidate for the constituency.

Samuda is expected to resume his ministerial role if he secures the seat for the JLP.

He aims to transition to the House of Representatives in a seat that was held for two decades by the late JLP stalwart Shahine Robinson. Robinson’s successor, Marsha Smith, resigned immediately on Mondays, clearing the way for the by-election announcement.