Our focus this week is Jamaica. And we are starting with the first ever, female Prime Minister of the land of several Miss World winners and of course reggae music. It took that beautiful Caribbean country sixty-four years to accomplish this historical landmark.
However, this is not to say that women have been absent in Jamaica’s corridors of power. Unlike many Caribbean and African countries, before political independence, women of colour have occupied decision-making positions since 1944. Citing Iris Collins and then Rose Leon in 1953.
We shall celebrate these ladies after this episode.
Portia Simpson-Miller was elected as prime minister in 2006. But lost the seat after elections in 2007. By 2012 she won elections again and became Prime Minister till 2016. After that, she retired from politics in 2017.
Actually, Mrs. Simpson-Miller has been in politics since 1974 when she elected a councillor in Kingston. Then joined the House of Representatives in 1976. She rose through the ranks, serving in various capacities. From councillor to Secretary to women’s leader, minister of labour, welfare and even sports. Plus party leader.
At age forty-nine, she returned to school; University of North Miami Beach FL to be exact. Portia obtained a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration by age fifty-three. Then, she gunned for the top. The office of the Prime Minister.
Portia made positive changes in her country, beginning with the health sector. She cancelled healthcare fees for children. That is a typical “Mama’s” move. She offered government support for those buying homes for the first time.
Finally, she reformed the drug laws in 2015. It was no longer a crime to have a small amount of marijuana in your possession.
She still offers advice and support in the background when she is not attending seminars.
When you look at all the challenges and issues Portia tackled to get to the pinnacle of power in the land, you can not but doff your hat for this determined warrior.
PM Portia deserves a heart and applause in the comments section below. Don’t you agree?
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