Jamaica
Gleanner
Kingston
Petroleumworld.com
03 05 06
AS THE Portia
Simpson Miller administration takes shape, outgoing prime minister,
P.J. Patterson meets this afternoon with government Members
of Parliament ahead of advising the Governor-General of his
impending departure.
The 60-year
old Simpson Miller on Saturday won the presidential race to
succeed Mr. Patterson, capturing 1,775 votes compared to her
rivals Drs. Peter Phillips -1,538, Omar Davies -283 and Karl
Blythe- 204.
While announcing
the election outcome on Saturday night, Mr. Patterson restated
that he would resign as Prime Minister and MP for Eastern Westmoreland
within the next four weeks. Luther Buchanan has been selected
to contest the seat for the PNP in a by-election when Patterson
resigns.
According
to Section 70, subsection (1) of the Constitution:
"Whenever
the Governor-General has occasion to appoint a Prime Minister
he, acting in his discretion, shall appoint the member of the
House of Representatives who, in his judgement, is best able
to command the confidence of a majority of the members of that
House ..."
CERTAIN
FORMALTIES
The PNP
has a majority of 34 members in the House.
Yesterday
a statement from Jamaica House said Patterson would consult
the party's parliamentary group to "observe certain formalities,"
and to enable him to advise the Governor-General.
The statement
also disclosed that Mr. Patterson along with other ministers
congratulated party president-elect Mrs. Simpson Miller on her
victory in the presidential race.
In acknowledging
the sentiments of the Prime Minister and her other colleagues,
Mrs. Simpson Miller pledged to continue to work to make everyone
proud. She thanked her colleagues for preparing her over the
years, even in areas outside of her portfolio responsibilities.
Yesterday
congratulatory remarks came from two regional heads of government.
Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Dr. Kenny Anthony has welcomed
Mrs. Simpson Miller's election as the next Prime Minister of
Jamaica as a victory for women in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
CONGRATULATIONS
"It's
a tribute to the women of your country and our region that you
have been chosen for the task of leading your country in these
challenging times," said Dr. Anthony in a statement.
Prime Minister
of Grenada Keith Mitchell telephoned Mrs. Simpson Miller to
offer his congratulations and indicate his willingness to work
with her. He noted Jamaica's assistance in helping his country
rebuild after Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
