Portia Simpson Miller addressing Members of Parliament at Gordon House yesterday. Mrs. Simpson Miller, the Prime Minister-designate, was approved by the People's National Party parliamentary group earlier. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE GOVERNING People's National Party's (PNP) parliamentary group yesterday unanimously selected party president-elect Portia Simpson Miller to replace incumbent Prime Minister P.J. Patterson when he demits office by month-end.
Mr. Patterson told the House of Representatives yesterday that he would be the first Prime Minister to officially advise Parliament of the advice he would be giving the Governor-General on who should be appointed as his successor when he tenders his resignation.
SELECTION
"Everyone (Government MPs) unanimously authorised me to advise the Governor-General that when he comes to make an appointment of my successor, the best person able to command the confidence of a majority of this House is ... the Honourable Portia Lucretia Simpson Miller," Mr. Patterson said to desk-thumping in the Chamber. The Government members had met earlier in the day at Jamaica House to formally make the selection.
During yesterday's sitting, Opposition Leader Bruce Golding took the opportunity to give "congratulations and best wishes" to Mrs. Simpson Miller on behalf of the Opposition.
The Prime Minister-designate expressed her own thanks to members on both sides of the aisle.
"I look forward to working with all of you for the betterment of the quality of life of all our people," she said.
