Petrina Francis, Gleaner Writer 
Portia Simpson Miller and delegates. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer
LOCAL GOVERNMENT Minister and candidate in the race for president of the People's National Party (PNP), Portia Simpson Miller, is known as the lover of the people.
Many people consider her a charismatic leader, but according to her, she is a democratic and solution-oriented one.
And while her detractors believe that she is not capable of becoming the next leader of the PNP because of the state that her constituency is in, she thinks otherwise.
Mrs. Simpson Miller said that the limited resources allocated for the constituency have been utilised for human development and empowerment, rather than for physical development, noting that the education and social needs should take priority.
Under her leadership of Jamaica, she would continue to empower the people through education, job creation and other economic and social interventions
HAS WEAKNESSES TOO
Like all human beings, the PNP leadership contender has weaknesses. "... Sometimes we become too emotional in situations where our hands are tied, and we see the need for action but cannot offer the necessary help and support," a statement from her campaign office said.
Mrs. Simpson Miller thinks that Jamaica needs the nurturing hands of a woman, and believes that she is the best person to provide that leadership.
A survey conducted by Don Anderson in March revealed that Mrs. Simpson Miller is the people's choice to take over leadership of the governing party.
But while Mrs. Simpson Miller is very popular with the electorate, she will have to command a majority of votes from the delegates who are responsible for electing the next president of the PNP.
She believes that one of the challenges facing the next prime minister will be winning back the hearts and minds of Jamaicans disillusioned by charges of corruption, a struggling economy and a wave of crime and violence.
And for her, national unity is the keystone for transforming the society along with tackling the social and economic challenges facing the country.
