Monique Hepburn, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
WITHIN HOURS, the tenure of Percival James Patterson, Jamaica's sixth and longest serving Prime Minister, will end, symbolising the start of a new political era, under the leadership of the nation's first female prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller.
In his final address to the people of Jamaica last night, Mr. Patterson said that his departure and her eventual accession will mark "a new chapter in the
governance of the country.
"She does so on a tremendous wave of popular support ... I extend to her my sincere good wishes and personally pledge my ongoing support for her and her entire administration," Mr. Patterson said. "I do so, first, as a committed Jamaican citizen, but also as a loyal member of the political movement to which we both proudly belong.
"The Jamaican people are clearly in support of her and anxious to be part of a forward movement."
NUMEROUS CHALLENGES
The outgoing Prime Minister spoke of the gratitude he felt for the opportunity to serve Jamaica. He recounted that during his tenure, the nation encountered numerous challenges that served to make it more resilient.
"There have been times when we have shown the world that small size and a history of underdevelopment are not insurmountable barriers to progress and success as judged by international benchmarks," he said.
Recognising the contributions of public service groups, inclusive of teachers and the security forces, Mr. Patterson said they have been integral in forging stronger partnerships "between the government, our employers, the unions, investors and the non-government and community-based organisations as we worked together to pursue our common national vision."
OPPORTUNITIES
Stoutly defending his administration's strategies of inclusiveness and consultation, Mr. Patterson contended that: "It cannot be denied that we have created unprecedented opportunities for dialogue, for broad consultation, and for joint participation in many areas of social and economic endeavour.
"Much has changed in the past 14 years and I am supremely confident that the progress will continue," he stated.
"My heart, like yours, salutes Jamaica. And may the Almighty help us to build and preserve this blessed land as together we keep our nation triumphant, proud and free," he concluded.
