Jamaicans Welcome First Female Prime Minister

History was made on Thursday, March 30, 2006 when Portia Simpson Miller became the country’s seventh and first female Prime Minister, some 32 years after she first entered representational politics.

            Thousands of Jamaicans from all walks of life, and members of the international community, gathered on the lawns of King’s House to witness the changing of the guards, as the 61 year- old Mrs. Simpson Miller took over the reins of leadership from P.J. Patterson.             In her inaugural address, the new Prime Minister gave honour to God, as the source of her strength. “As I assume the Office of Prime Minister of all Jamaica, I do so Lord, truly conscious that the glory is yours, and the office, an affirmation of my devotion to you and all the people of this nation,” she said in prayer.

            Mrs. Simpson Miller wasted no time in outlining her intention as new Prime Minister, to advance human rights and individual liberties. “Each individual life is sacred. None is more important than the other. Money should not make one person more important than the other. Learning should not make one person more important than the other, nor should class, colour or gender. We are all equal in the sight of God,” she said to resounding applause.

            “We cannot build the harmony and peace that this society so desperately needs, unless all Jamaicans know that they will be treated with dignity and respect.”

            “I pledge to ensure that the interests of all our people are protected and that victimization never rears its ugly head in any way under my administration,” she added.

            The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for Jamaicans to “recapture our roots - the courtesy, the decency, the good manners and trust - which were routinely practised. We need to rekindle those tested and proven values. We must practise them ourselves and demand them from    others,” she said, adding that she wanted to continue to lead a process for the recovery and promotion of the country’s best values.

            She also pledged to do everything in her power to break the power of criminals and noted that she would be working closely with the Minister of National Security, law enforcement, the Opposition and communities, to tackle the problem.

            The creation of employment and wealth-earning opportunities for people was also emphasised, with the Prime Minister stating that the focus would also be placed on education. Jamaica would only become a first-class, competitive society, “if we are an educated, knowledge-based society. We have to build on the progress already made and intensify our drive to transform Jamaica’s education system,” she stated.

            Mrs. Simpson Miller paused to pay tribute to her predecessor, P.J. Patterson, lauding his 14 years of distinguished service as Prime Minister. “His loyalty and commitment to country, his passion for service, his civility and ability to achieve consensus, make him unforgettable,” she said. She also made known her intention to build on his legacy of cooperation.

            Also high on the list of priorities of the new Prime Minister was the promotion of unity: “Nothing can withstand the force of an energized, confident, united, determined and visionary people,” she said.

            The new Prime Minister called for the building of partnerships in restoring the centrality of family life in Jamaica; responsible fatherhood, motherhood and sexual behaviour; love, honour and protection of women and love, honour and respect for men; as well as partnerships for the protection and nurturing of children.

            Among those witnessing the         historic occasion, which was presided over by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall were: former Prime Ministers, P.J. Patterson and Edward Seaga and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning; Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur; Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves; Chief Minister of Turks and Caicos Islands, Michael Misick; representatives of the United States Congress; members of parliament; members of the diplomatic corps and a host of other dignitaries.