Portia Simpson Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica
Portia Simpson Miller was born in Wood Hall, St. Catherine and attended the Marlie Hill Primary School , St. Martin's High School and the Union Institute, Miami Florida where she read for a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration. While completing her degree she also completed a Diploma in Computing, Programming and Public Relations.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Elected President of the People's National Party on February 25th, 2006 and Prime Minister designate
- Minister of Local Government, Community Development & Sport
- Former Minister of Tourism and Sport with responsibilities for Entertainment & Gender Issues
- Acted in the capacity of Prime Minister on several occasions
- Vice President of the People's National Party since 1978
- Participated in First Eleanor Roosevelt Caucus of Women Political Leaders
- Participated in “Women in Leadership Conference” at the John F. Kennedy School , Harvard University , in 1997
- Recipient of the Certificate for completion of the Executive Programme for Leaders in Development at the above institution in 1999
- Holder of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration from Union Institute in Miami , Certificates in Public Relations, Advanced Management
- Awarded Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the Union Institute
- An advocate for the poor, the dispossessed, the oppressed and all those who remain voiceless and faceless in the corridors of power
- Holds a steadfast vision for development and change in the Jamaican Society
“It is often said that - “ while the nation sleeps, she works.”
PROFESSION
In her business career she has worked in various positions as Secretary and in the Social Service Field
POSITIONS HELD IN GOVERNMENT
- October 2002 - present, Minister of Local Government and Sport
- Feb. 21, 2000 – 2002 Minister of Tourism & Sports
- 1995 – Feb. 20, 2000 Minister of Labour, Social Security & Sports
- 1993 – 1995 Minister of Labour & Welfare
- 1989 – 1993 Minister of Labour,Welfare and Sports
- 1983 – 1989 PNP's Spokesperson on Women's affairs, Pension, Social Security and Consumer Affairs
- Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister
- Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government
- Member of Parliament for South West St. Andrew since 1989
- Councillor of the KSAC in 1974 & 1976
- Sits on the Executive Council and the National Executive Council for the Party
- Active and leading Member of the PNP
