THE EDITOR, Sir:

ON BEHALF of the women who prayed for our Prime Minister, Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller, before she began the debate, I wish to record my thanks to God that as he had promised, she did surprise me (pleasantly) and many more of us. I am proud of her first innings in debating because she is still new to this arena.

I know most of Jamaica expected her to fail in a face-off with the likes of a Bruce Golding. We who believe in her never expected her to win. Not after being in office for only one year and having to undertake a crash course in understanding the operations of all her ministries. No, she couldn't have won against Mr. Golding's expertise of so many years as heir apparent to the Jamaica Labour Party leadership.

She wouldn't have won unless she had spent most of her first year understudying Omar Davies' ministry in particular. But, she certainly shone brightly as a newcomer, an outside favourite - the little girl from Clarendon facing this pure nation of 'intellectuals' and she is my leader. When women have to take the helm and lead, they usually don't lose twice!

I am, etc.,

SHARON NEMBHARD

sansalcots2000@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica