Congratulations have been pouring into the Observer for Portia Simpson Miller who Saturday became the first woman president of the 68-year-old People's National Party (PNP) after a special delegates conference to choose a successor to P J Patterson.

Portia Simpson Miller

Simpson Miller polled a total of 1,775 votes to beat Dr Peter Phillips, 1,538 votes; Dr Omar Davies with 283 votes; and Dr Karl Blythe, 204 votes.
Here are some of the comments:

. I am a Jamaican living in the United States of America and I am very glad to know a woman is going to be the prime minister. It is full time, and I know Portia is going to do a very good job. I predict that Mrs Simpson Miller is going to turn the Jamaican economy around and unite people. Congratulations, we love you.
Jean Allison Jones
Maryland USA

. Congratulations to the honourable and ever lovable Mrs Portia Simpson Miller and to the delegates who have chosen the right person at the right time as leader of the PNP and of all Jamaicans.
Speaking on behalf of my family and associates in Canada, I sincerely hope that the love and admiration shown not only by the delegates to this truly dedicated honourable Sister P will be manifested in peace, love, harmony and a new beginning for our beloved country.
G Morrison
Toronto
Canada

. Jamaica is facing a new dawn in its political genesis. It is now clear that the reigns of power of the People's National Party will be held by a lady - one of our true daughters who has the pulse of the nation under her fingers.
Amid the controversy Mrs Portia Simpson Miller has shown poise and dignity.
I sincerely hope that she will use her office to help bring about some unity in the country.

She must never lose the ability to be a prime minister for all Jamaicans, so that they may go forward with the knowledge that there is an equal opportunity for all.
Norman Hanson
zostera@earthlink.net

. I am a Jamaican living in the United Kingdom. I went online to read my e-mails and the Jamaican newspaper. I was so excited when I saw that Mrs Portia Simpson Miller was the new president of the People's National Party. I just want to say congratulations. God will bless you and help you to make Jamaica a wonderful country.
Delesha Barrett
London

. Indeed, the grand finalé of the People's National Party race for a new president and prime minister-designate of Jamaica has ended with historic epitome and unique significance.

I congratulate Portia Simpson Miller, a dignified woman, on her prestigious award, which evidently emerged as a gift to the nation.
Throughout her entire campaign, Mrs Simpson Miller held her peace irrespective of the harsh criticisms from members of her own Cabinet and others.

I must commend Messrs Blythe, Davies and Phillips for believing in themselves, having entered the race with such exuberance.
Let us embrace this moment as our island now embarks on an excitingly inspired threshold of a woman's touch in the state's affairs.

C Dionne Cassie
carealtor2@anngel.com
Ocho Rios

. Congratulations Mrs Simpson Miller on your well deserved victory. I feel total joy within my heart as I remember the meetings at Temple Meade. It is not by chance that you have succeeded, but primarily through the power of the Most High. May Jah guide and protect you on this now turbulent but honourable journey.
Ras Junior Buck

. All Jamaicans congratulate Mrs Simpson Miller on her historic win as the first female leader of the People's National Party.
Mrs Simpson Miller has her job cut out for her and will have to hit the ground running. What's sure is that whatever transpires in the Simpson Miller administration between now and the next general election will determine whether the PNP will be returned for an unprecedented fifth term.

I hope her advisers will influence her to make the eradication of corruption a priority. A successful Simpson Miller administration will prove once and for all that a good/successful leader does not necessarily have to have BIG letters behind their names.
Authnel Reid

Mothers can't father

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'