By Lynford Simpson, Staff Reporter
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, having taken the Oath of Office, holds aloft the Instrument of Appointment, after it was presented to him by Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke. At left a section of the audience join hands as they sing Bob Marley's 'One Love'. - Rudolph Brown/Staff Photographer
P.J. PATTERSON, President of the People's National Party (PNP), yesterday committed himself to leading a Government without a "taint of corruption" as he was officially sworn in as Prime Minister for a record third consecutive term, in a short ceremony at Emancipation Park, New Kingston.
The Prime Minister was sworn in by Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke, taking the new oath of allegiance to the people and Constitution of Jamaica. He said he will name the members of his new Cabinet by tomorrow, in time for them to be sworn in this Saturday at Kings House.
"The team I chose will be expected to serve diligently and with humility," he said, adding that "there must be no taint of corruption".
For his part he has pledged to work "steadfastly, without arrogance, with integrity, decency and fairness to do the people's work".
"We have heard the voice of the people and will unrelentingly seek to promote unity, peace and harmony in all sectors of our society," Mr. Patterson stressed.
Among the hundreds in attendance at yesterday's function were St. Lucia's Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony; Dr. Roger Luncheon, representing the President of Guyana; and Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts/Nevis.
The swearing-in followed last week Wednesday's historic win by the PNP in a general election which saw the party securing a fourth straight term as Government. It did so by winning 34 seats, eight more than the 26 won by the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party.
In a wide-ranging speech that followed his swearing-in, Mr. Patterson reiterated his promise to unify the society, fight crime, expand the physical infrastructure, grow the economy, and reform the justice system. Education will continue to get priority treatment.
On tackling crime, the Prime Minister said: "We will step up the fight against crime and violence which threaten to seriously retard our economic growth and social development. We will continue to equip our security forces with the latest technology and give them our unreserved support as they seek to protect our society from the destruction of the druggists, gunmen and criminals who seek to destroy us and all we stand for".
In a speech reminiscent of his victory speech at party headquarters last week, Mr. Patterson again extended the "hand of friendship" to the Opposition. "With unity, no problem is insoluble," he stated.
Said Mr. Patterson: "Today I accept the mandate of the people, conscious of the historical privilege which I have been granted to be at the helm and to steer the ship of state once again. I do so deeply conscious also of the formidable responsibilities placed on me".
He pledged his "total commitment" to facilitating the empowerment of the Jamaican people. To this end, the reform of the Constitution will take centre stage and Local Government reform will be expedited to facilitate "democratic participation" at the community level. He also pledged to build a land of social justice in which every Jamaican is afforded equal protection under the law.
To the visiting heads of Government Mr. Patterson said: "You all do great honour to Jamaica by sharing this momentous occasion with us". Their presence, he noted, was "confirmation of the imperative of regional economic integration in the context of harsh global realities".
