Women to watch: Female candidates contesting Jamaica’s 2025 general election

As Jamaica heads into its September 3, 2025, general election, the number of women contesting seats in the House of Representatives has reached an unprecedented high. More than 40 women are expected to seek election, marking the highest female representation ever for the Parliament.

The governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) plans to field 19 women candidates out of its total slate of 63—about 30 percent—while the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is set to nominate 22 women, representing roughly 35 percent of its slate. This includes both seasoned politicians and fresh faces who are making their mark in the political arena.

This article highlights a handful of women to watch in the upcoming election — from seasoned veterans and steady performers building on their last term, to new faces making their political debut. These selected leaders stand out for their impact and potential in shaping Jamaica’s future.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)

Ann-Marie Vaz — Member of Parliament, Portland Eastern

Ann-Marie Vaz made history in 2019 as the first woman elected to represent Portland Eastern. She secured 9,917 votes to Damion Crawford’s 9,611 in what was reportedly the largest turnout ever recorded in the constituency. Known for her community-driven approach, Vaz has focused on improving education and infrastructure through her One Jamaica Foundation. In May 2019, she established a fund to assist tertiary students using her first month’s parliamentary salary, demonstrating her commitment to social development.

Rhoda Moy Crawford — Member of Parliament, Manchester Central

Elected in the 2020 landslide, Rhoda Crawford defeated incumbent MP Peter Bunting to claim Manchester Central. An educator by profession, Crawford is deeply engaged in health and social issues affecting her constituency. She is known for active participation in parliamentary committees on human resources and social development.

Audrey Marks — Senator and JLP Candidate, Manchester North Eastern

Marks brings extensive experience as a businesswoman and diplomat. Founder of Paymaster Jamaica and former Ambassador to the United States, she was recently appointed to the Senate. Marks is now vying to succeed veteran politician Audley Shaw, who stepped down from representational politics in 2024.

Juliet Holness — Speaker of the House and Member for Saint Andrew East Rural

Juliet Holness, wife of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has maintained a steady political presence since her 2016 election as MP for St. Andrew East Rural. Elected Speaker in September 2023 after serving as Deputy Speaker (2020-2023), she champions community development, gender equality, and youth empowerment.

People’s National Party (PNP)

Angela Brown-Burke — Member of Parliament for St. Andrew South West

Dr. Angela Brown-Burke serves as Deputy Leader of Opposition Business and Shadow Minister for Foreign & Regional Affairs. Previously, she was Shadow Minister for Education and Training. She began her political career as Corporate Area Councillor and later Mayor of Kingston and St. Andrew (2012-2016). She was appointed Deputy President of the Senate in 2012 and elected PNP vice-president in 2006.

Brown-Burke is active on multiple Parliamentary Standing and Joint Select Committees, including Human Resources and Social Development, Private Bills, and COVID-19-related matters. She co-founded Angela’s Care Kitchen, providing meals for senior citizens, and helped form the Rockfort Development Council. She holds two master’s degrees and earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Adult Education from National-Louis University, Chicago, in 2015.

Gabriela Morris — Senator and Opposition Spokesperson on Youth

At just 23, Morris became Jamaica’s youngest-ever appointed senator in 2020. She leads the PNP Youth Organisation and is the party’s candidate for North West St. Ann. A strong advocate for youth empowerment, Morris has represented Jamaica at several international forums.

Janice Allen — Senator and Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism

Representing St. James Central, Allen is a vocal critic of current tourism policies, advocating for a strategic overhaul and sustainable development. A Montego Bay native, she has over two decades of experience and has served as policy advisor to two Ministers of Tourism. Allen champions the equitable growth of Jamaica’s tourism industry.

Nekeisha Burchell — MP Caretaker for South St. James and Opposition Spokesperson on Information and Public Communication

A fresh face in politics, Burchell has gained attention for compelling campaign speeches that have helped boost the PNP’s ratings ahead of the election.