What is the correct way to address the prime minister of Jamaica?

Answer by Wellesley

Hi there!
Thanks for asking.

It depends though, I'll give you some examples

Note that at this point of response, Most Honourable Andrew Holness is the head of the government of Jamaica and so I'll use his name as an example, extracted from the JIS website.

1. In Writing...

   
   
   The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, MP
   Prime Minister
   Office of the Prime Minister
   1 Devon Road
   Kingston 10
   
   
   Opening Salutation:
   
   'Mr Holness/Dear Mr Holness/Dear Mr Prime Minister/Dear Prime Minister
   
   
   In closing a letter/correspondence, use:
   
   
   Yours faithfully (formal usage)
   Yours sincerely (semi-formal usage)
   
   
   And then your signature
   
   
   

2. In A Verbal Address

   
   
   'Mr Prime Minister' (formal) / 'Prime Minister' (semi-formal)
   
   
   
   1. Introduction:
      
      eg. Prime Minister, may I introduce ……..
      
      
   2. Invitation Card:
      The Prime Minister
      
      eg.
      The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, MP and
      The Most Honourable Juliet Holness request the pleasure of the company of...
      
      Note that the correct protocol for the wife is The Most Honourable. Eg. The Most Honourable Mrs. Andrew Holness when she is not functioning in the capacity of an MP.
      
      However, neither OPM, Chancery of Protocol nor Mrs. Holness’ office follow this rule. She is referred to as the Most Honourable Juliet Holness instead.
      
      
   
   

You can get the complete guideline here.

And to your second question...

What happens when the Governor General and Prime Minister of Jamaica are both attending an official event? Who sits first?

According to the table of precedence in Jamaica, the governor general (the head of state) always takes precedence, then the head of the government (Prime Minister).

In fact, here are top 20 positions, in order of precedence.

1. Governor-General
   
2. Prime Minister
   
3. Deputy Prime Minister
   
4. Leader of the Opposition
   
5. Members of the Cabinet
   
6. President of the Senate
   
7. Speaker of the House of Representatives
   
8. Former Governors-General and Former Prime Ministers
   
9. The Chief Justice
   
10. President of the Court of Appeal
    
11. Ministers of State
    
12. President of Jamaica Council of Churches
    
13. Widows / Widowers of National Heroes
    
14. Widows / Widowers of Former Governors-Generals
    
15. Widows / Widowers of Former Heads of Government
    
16. The Attorney-General
    
17. The Cabinet Secretary (Head of the Civil Service)
    
18. The Head of the Foreign Service
    
19. The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps
    
20. High Commissioners & Ambassadors
    

The entire table of precedence can be seen here.

Be sure to read how to address the governor general of Jamaica (head of state) as well.

I hope this helps!

Regards,
WG.

P.S. Lots more answers to questions, you can see them here

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