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.
