NORMAN MANLEY: 1938-1969Norman Manley (left) with Clarence Davidson the party's song leader at the party's 30th Annual Conference in 1968 where Mr. Manley gave his final presidential address.
MICHAEL MANLEY: 1968-1992
The Prime Minister and president of the People's National Party, Michael Manley, holding aloft "the rod" at the PNP's 1973 annual conference at the National Arena in St. Andrew.
P.J. PATTERSON: 1992-2006
P.J. Patterson (centre) is surrounded by supporters during his victory celebration, following his election as the third president of the PNP at the National Arena in March 1992.
PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER: 2006
Portia Simpson Miller celebrating at a Women's rally held in her support earlier this month.
Portia the picture of confidence
Lynford Simpson, News Editor
PORTIA SIMPSON Miller, the Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sport, was a picture of confidence from the moment she sprinted onto the premises of the Hope United Church, Old Hope Road, St. Andrew around 9:25 a.m. yesterday to a riotous welcome from hundreds of supporters.
She was literally swept up in a sea of yellow as she was swarmed by supporters and members of the media who sought to get a word out of her. Mrs. Simpson Miller, herself clad in yellow, was oozing confidence as she smiled, laughed with and hugged as many persons as she could.
She admitted to being a bit tired following a long and "rigorous campaign," but stressed that she had no animosity toward any of her fellow contenders for the position of PNP president. A party atmosphere was created yesterday as 'Team Portia' supporters, decked out in yellow shirts with her image superimposed on the front, waved yellow flags while chanting "Mama Portia, a Portia time now, a woman time now."
'PORTIA UNBEATABLE'
According to Anthony Hylton, a former Trade Minister and a senior member of the Team Portia campaign, Mrs. Simpson Miller was "unbeatable". He said she was the best person to unite both the party and the country after P.J. Patterson, especially in an "increasingly globalised world".
According to other members of the campaign team, members of the media should: "... Get used to saying Madame Prime Minister." They had no doubt that she would have created history by becoming the first woman to lead the PNP and the country.
The support for Mrs. Simpson Miller was so strong, she had two camps yesterday. The delegates camp was set up at Hope United Church and a camp for supporters at St. Margaret's Church, Hope Road. In the end, it was the delegates' vote that mattered.
