23 October 2011 Last updated at 19:12 ET

Andrew Holness sworn in as Jamaica prime minister

Andrew Holness promised to tackle corruption and violent crime

Former Jamaican education minister Andrew Holness has been sworn in as the island nation's new prime minister.

Mr Holness, 39, is Jamaica's youngest ever leader, and the first to be born after independence from Britain.

He replaces Bruce Golding, who announced he was resigning last month, after criticism of his handling of a US request to extradite a gang leader.

Mr Holness has promised to end a culture of "garrison politics" that linked politicians with gangsters.

In his inaugural address, he also promised to tackle corruption and violent crime.

Mr Holness was chosen as prime minister by the governing Jamaica Labour Party after Mr Golding announced his intention to stand down.

General elections are not due until December 2012, but there is speculation the new prime minister may call an early poll to strengthen his mandate.