TODAY was Portia Day. The Most Honourable Portia Lucretia Simpson Miller made her address to Parliament in her second Budget presentation since getting her own mandate from the people of Jamaica on December 29, 2011. Last time round, there was a general consensus that she acquitted herself well. Indeed, many of her detractors had to grudgingly concede that her delivery was excellent, no pronunciation mishaps occurred, and she was as coherent and as effective in what was regarded as a well-crafted speech.

This time round — as I pen this before her presentation — it will not so much be her style that will be important, but the substance or lack thereof in her presentation. Interestingly, there are those many Jamaicans in the lower strata of the society who prefer sound over substance, and heat over light. I well recall a country woman who had a court case which she lost. But, while leaving the courthouse, she remarked that while she was sad that she had lost the case, she had high praises for her lawyer because, “him did chat good!” Well, undoubtedly Sista P can chat good, but the question before her contribution is, will she stand and deliver?

Despite Jamaica being predominantly a black country by virtue of its demographics, the Willie Lynch syndrome is alive and well in the hearts and minds of many who have had tremendous difficulty accepting Portia Simpson Miller as their head of Government. To begin with, she is a woman, and in Jamaica politics is still a male-dominated profession. You are expected to be one of the boys – especially if you are an old boy of one of the more revered educational institutions in the island. You must be able to be a social drinker, talk cricket and/or football and womanize. In addition, to be able to chat crap and boast about one’s sexual prowess may well be thrown in for good measure. It can be said that poor Sista P could hardly fit that bill.

Secondly, the Most Honourable Prime Minister is from the other side of the track, not of the manor born and, for all intents and purposes, represents by her persona the descendants of Marcus Garvey, Paul Bogle and Nanny. She is black and beautiful, but does not sport an upper St Andrew accent, nor has a surname that opens doors and attracts willing acceptance among the so-called Jamaican aristocracy. That is why oftentimes she has had to go on the defensive to assert her right to be who she now is. And every time I write in defence of her there are those who chastise me vehemently, accusing me for supporting someone who they think does not have the ability to run this country. But, in real terms, Mrs Simpson Miller is atypical of what happens to a black person in a predominantly white country: “If you are black stay back; and if you are white you are right.” Oh, and if you are brown, you can stick around.

I hold no brief for the Most Honourable Lady, although I sit in Parliament as a political representative on a People’s National Party (PNP) ticket. In other words, she has never solicited my help in terms of defending her status. In fact, there have been the occasions when I have written critically of her and earned the wrath of her loyalists, some of whom believe she is above being criticised. My love and appreciation for her is rooted in the belief that she does have the ability, particularly in the realm of emotional intelligence, to connect with the ordinary Jamaican people that only two other politicians since the granting of Universal Adult Suffrage have been able to do, and those were Alexander Bustamante and Michael Manley. I have been on the hustings with her and the way in which I see how the people warm towards her, it is my humble opinion that she still remains the most viable option in terms of providing this country with inspirational leadership.

Carmine Gallo, a contributor to Forbes magazine, elucidates on “The 7 Secrets of Inspiring Leaders”. They must be able to Ignite Their Enthusiasm. Every inspiring leader is abundantly passionate – not about the product itself, but what the product means to their customers. So, for example, speaking passionately about the JEEP is not enough, the emphasis must be what it can do in real terms.

Secondly, Navigate A Course of Action. We are all familiar with the Jamaican expression “Action, not a bagomouth.” As has been stated, nothing extraordinary ever happened without a leader articulating a vision, a course of action. The Prime Minister must follow this path or end being stale, flat and uninspiring.

Thirdly, Sell The Benefit. The question that will be on everybody’s lips as they listen to her is, “What’s in it for me?” Ain’t nothing going but the rent, baby. And don’t just make announcements, connect with the people(her customers) because in the final analysis today’s politics has to be about good and effective customer service.

Fourthly, Paint A Picture. This is not always easy as a badly told anecdote or story can backfire on the speaker(ask the Hon. Andrew Holness – remember that eucalyptus fiasco?) However, a well delivered story can make the necessary connection with an audience and thus becomes a source of inspiration, not derision.

Fifthly, Invite Participation. People want more than money, jobs or whatever a government can provide. They want to be involved, to be part of the solution. Invite them in, Sista P. Jamaicans must all become salespersons for Brand Jamaica in one way or another.

Sixthly, Reinforce Optimism. Former United States Secretary of State Colin Powell once said, “Optimism is a force multiplier.” Optimism is infectious. Like Faith it cannot only move mountains, it can build them or climb them successfully.

And finally, Encourage Potential. Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller must use her communication skills to motivate and inspire the Jamaican people to higher levels of achievement. History has shown repeatedly that it is inspiring leaders who have made the greatest difference whether in war or peace. Now is the time, now is the hour for Sista P to step up to the table and ensure that her lasting legacy will be that of inspiring the Jamaican people towards working hard and taking the road to prosperity. She can do it.

Lloyd B. Smith is a Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the People’s National Party or the Government of Jamaica.

lloydbsmith@hotmail.com