|
|
|
|
News from the Caribbean as of
|
Patterson expresses confidence in Jamaica’s new prime minister
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, P.J. Patterson, has expressed his confidence in the ability of his successor, Portia Simpson-Miller, to steer the country to “new levels of economic growth and upward social mobility” stating that the “foundations have been well and truly laid”.
“I am certain the baton has been securely passed for the next leg of the relay with our team… continuing to run in the lane to which history has assigned us. It is that same lane in which we started the race in 1938,” Mr. Patterson told the thousands of persons, who gathered to witness the historic swearing in ceremony of Simpso0- Miller as the nation’s seventh and first female Prime Minister.
The statesman told the gathering that he was “particularly gratified” that the change of leadership was effected in a “seamless and transparent process” without “confusion and chaos… thereby enhancing the best and most wholesome of our political traditions.”
Patterson said Jamaica remained “a country with a proud and growing record of achievements in the fields of investment creation, the creative arts, international diplomacy, industrial relations, sports and community development”, adding that Simpson-Miller had played a critical role in many of the areas.
Patterson pledged his support to the new Prime Minister. “Portia, as you were there for me in the assent to political leadership in my party and subsequently my country, I will always be there for you, if you should so require, whenever and wherever,” he stated.
Simpson-Miller served as Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sport since October 2002; Minister of Tourism and Sports from February 2000 to October 2002; Minister of Labour, Social Security and Sports from 1995 to February 2000; Minister of Labour and Welfare from 1993 to 1995; Minister of Labour, Welfare and Sports from 1989 to 1993; and has been a vice president of the People’s National Party since 1978.
She has served as member of parliament for South West St. Andrew since 1976.
Back...
Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed
 Printable version
|
|
