Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller told supporters yesterday that she is paying no attention to detractors who are claiming that she is not saying enough on national issues.

“When PJ was there, every time he mentioned achievement, they said the government chat too much. They said that government chat more than implement. Here I am now, working and trying to implement, and they say I am not talking,” the PNP leader said.

She explained that not talking was always a feature of her office, and that it was the same when she served under prime ministers Michael Manley and Patterson in various portfolios.

“Those who wish to talk can continue to talk,” she said. “Trust me, when I speak it will be worth listening. Until then, I will continue to work.”

She said that the theme for the period was unity and hard work and called on all comrades to accept the results of yesterday’s vice-presidential race and move on.

“We cannot be organised, strong and fully equipped if we do not decide right now that we will be going forward as a party, strong and ready for victory,” she said.

On the issue of elections, she reiterated that she has not indicated any time for the holding of a general election, but claimed that some responses she has made to the media on the matter have been distorted.

In a veiled reference to the Opposition JLP, Simpson Miller said that she had no intention of putting the PNP “in anyone’s pocket”, in order to finance its election campaign, nor to make any promises she could not deliver.

“All I say to them, I see them bringing back the days of the late seventies and eighties. Keep that away,” she said.

She warned that “all those who are running their mouths” should know that they “can’t walk near Portia”. She said that once her election machinery starts rolling “it will be all over; a done it done”, and encouraged supporters to get ready for the election.