PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller left the island yesterday afternoon for London, England to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXX Olympiad which will also be attended by a number of other Heads of Government and Heads of State.

The Prime Minister’s attendance is also as a result of invitations extended to her by the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) and the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) to attend the Opening Ceremony.

The Prime Minister said there was much significance in the Games in this 50th year of Jamaica’s Independence and 64 years after McKenley, Wint and others blazed a trail of glory at our first participation in the Olympics in London in 1948.

“Once again, all roads lead to London and I am expecting the Jamaican team to perform to the best of its ability and it is only fitting that we give them all the necessary support during the Games,” Simpson Miller said.

While in London, she will participate in a welcome flag-raising ceremony at the Olympic Village and meet with the Jamaican athletes before participating in the official Opening Ceremony.

The Prime Minister returns to the island on Saturday. During her absence, Dr Omar Davies, Minister of Transport, Works and Housing will be in charge of the Government.