Prime Minister P J Patterson kisses Portia Simpson Miller, the minister of local government and new president of the ruling People's National Party at yesterday's weekly meeting of the Cabinet at Jamaica House. (Photos: JIS)

CABINET ministers, at their weekly meeting yesterday at Jamaica House, joined Prime Minister P J Patterson in congratulating Portia Simpson Miller for her victory in Saturday's presidential election of the ruling People's National Party.

At the same time, Prime Minister Patterson announced yesterday that he would convene a meeting of the parliamentary group of the majority party this afternoon in order to "observe certain formalities", and to enable him to advise the governor-general of his departure.

Simpson Miller is now set to become the island's first female prime minister in another few weeks when Patterson, who has been serving since March 1992, demits office.

According to a Jamaica House statement, Simpson Miller, in acknowledging the sentiments of Prime Minister Patterson and her other colleagues, pledged to continue to work to make everyone proud. Additionally, she extended gratitude to her colleagues for preparing her over the years, even in areas outside of her portfolio responsibilities.

Local Government Minister Portia Simpson Miller chats with Dr Peter Phillips, the security minister and her closest rival in Saturday's vote for a new president of the People's National Party, at yesterday's Cabinet meeting at Jamaica House. At left is Foreign Minister K D Knight.

Simpson Miller was also hailed yesterday by Diane Abbott, Britain's first black female Member of Parliament, who currently represents the London constituency of Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

"This is a historically significant victory for women worldwide but for Jamaicans in particular," Abbott said in a statement. "Portia has already made history, and looks set to consolidate her place in the history books of the future by becoming Jamaica's first female prime minister. She has proven herself to be a likeable and strong-willed woman. I am sure she will prove herself very worthy of this place in history and will serve as an inspiration for women the world over," said the British MP.

Abbott added that Simpson Miller has always championed the cause of the most vulnerable in society and has a genuine appeal to the Jamaican society, especially, women, the poor and the unemployed.

"She seems to have a real connection with the electorate and knows what it is like to go without," she said.

Minister Portia Simpson Miller shares a light moment with colleague ministers Horace Dalley (left) and Phillip Paulwell at yesterday's Cabinet meeting.

The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Jamaica Agriculture Society (JAS) also congratulated Simpson Miller and promised her their full support.

The JHTA noted Simpson Miller's understanding of the tourism sector and its significance to the Jamaican economy, while the JAS said she has been committed to the advancement of agricultural and rural development.

"(We) look forward to discussing additional proposals in the agricultural agenda that will lead to exponential growth in the sector and by extension the economy," the JAS said. "We wish for her God's blessings and we look forward to the continued collaboration as we seek to capitalise on the present opportunities through tourism, the Caribbean Single Market and the Economy and the upcoming World Cup Cricket."

And the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) said Simpson Miler's victory "reflects her popularity with the people of Jamaica and we have no doubt that she will bring her own inimitable leadership style to the position.

".We join other entities in wishing Minister Simpson Miller every success on this significant and historic achievement," said the PSOJ.

The organisation said it, too, was ready to work with Simpson Miller and to lend its support to initiatives and endeavours which will lead to a vibrant private sector and ultimately a strong and united Jamaica.

"We anticipate the appointment of a new cabinet and encourage all concerned to refocus their energies on the issues and challenges of governing the country," said a PSOJ statement.

Simpson Miller was declared winner of the hotly-contested PNP presidency after beating off challenges from Dr Peter Phillips, Dr Omar Davies and Dr Karl Blythe.

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