Armed police officers patrol a street in Kingston, in this May 24, 2010 frame grab.REUTERS TV
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced on Sunday that he will step down in November to make way for a new leader from within his Jamaica Labour Party.
Mr. Golding has been in office since the ruling party defeated the opposition People's National Party in a 2007 general election.
"The challenges of the last four years have taken their toll, and it was appropriate now to make way for new leadership to continue the programs of economic recovery and transformation while mobilizing the party for victory in the next general elections," Mr. Golding said in a statement.
His statement was issued in a news release by the youth affiliate of his party called Generation 2000.
The plan is for Mr. Golding to step down as JLP leader at the party's annual conference in November. He would step down as prime minister as soon as a new party leader has been chosen.
The opposition PNP welcomed Mr. Golding's decision to quit and called for a general election to be held as soon as possible. A general election is constitutionally due by December, 2012.