Outgoing Prime Minister P.J. Patterson was yesterday lauded by colleagues as a non-confrontational leader who did more to break down the walls of political tribalism than any other in Jamaica's history.
No fewer than 17 parliamentarians, from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, honoured Mr. Patterson during about four hours of tributes, while a standing room-only crowd, including representatives from the diplomatic corps, the business sector and the public service, looked on.
P.J. Patterson achieves the rare combination of having the courage of his convictions blended with a resolute determination, but without arrogance of spirit," said Prime Minister-designate Portia Simpson Miller, who will succeed him tomorrow. "He has mastered the art of give and take and knows how to engender win-win outcomes."
According to Opposition Leader Bruce Golding: "Whatever criticisms have been made of him in the past and whatever may be made in the future as his legacy is scrutinised and analysed, no one can question his commitment to his country, his love for the Jamaican people or the sincerity of his intentions."
Mr. Patterson basked in the glory of anecdotal stories, including Opposition MP Pearnel Charles who reflected on the Prime Minister's trip to Africa several years ago. Mr. Charles told his colleagues that, on his return, Mr. Patterson brought him a gift, a green necktie (which he wore yesterday), which complemented an orange one which the Prime Minister got for himself.
"It came to me, politicians while they serve are bad and when they leave they are good - PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER
Thank you for being the drum major who led us into prosperity and set the foundation for us to live in a quality society - JOHN JUNOR
Many will miss the calm that you bring to the forum and we hope to have learned to keep it so - PEARNEL CHARLES
He was one of the architects of the renewal process in the People's National Party - DR. PETER PHILLIPS
There is no question that his character has changed the conduct of politics - DR. HORACE CHANG
Mr. Patterson's journey after the disappointment is a lesson in character, discipline and determination - BURCHELL WHITEMAN
Like a good gambler, you know when to hold, you know when to fold, you know when to run, but most importantly you know when to say 'I shall return' - ERNIE SMITH
I quickly learned that you took the Prime Minister for granted at your own peril - AUDLEY SHAW
The Prime Minister has played his innings like Frank Worrell rather than Everton Weekes, with finesse over fury - KARL SAMUDA
We cannot deny that as the longest-serving Prime Minister, he knows how to win elections - 'BABSY' GRANGE"
