Mark Golding has been sworn in as Opposition Leader in the Jamaican Parliament, less than 48 hours after he successfully turned away a challenge from Lisa Hanna to become the 6^th President of the People’s National Party.

Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, yesterday presented the Opposition Leader with the Instrument of Appointment at a short ceremony at Kings House.

Mr. Golding, the Member of Parliament for St. Andrew southern, takes over from Dr. Peter Phillips, who stepped down after the party was beaten in the General Elections on September 3^rd, this year.

The ruling Jamaica Labour Party won 49 of the 63 seats in the Parliament.

Mr. Golding said he is grateful to all those who had the trust and confidence in him to provide this opportunity to serve his country Jamaica in this new role.

Last weekend, Mr. Golding, a former Justice Minister, defeated Ms. Hanna by a 1,740 to 1,444 margin and immediately paid homage to the founders of the party indicating that his first task would be to heal the wounds of division caused by the election.