Jamaica Prime Minister (PM), the Honorable Portia Simpson-Miller is ready for the challenge to lead Jamaica into the future. The PM is in tune with current times and has the global economic vision to lead Jamaica in the 21st Century. On April 25, 2012, Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller made her first visit to New York City since becoming PM of Jamaica on December 29, 2011. During the PM visit to the United States, the Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller received the prestigious award as one of “The 100 Most Influential People in the World” by Times Magazine. As Time Magazine headline stated, “They are the people who inspire us, entertain us, challenge us and change our world….” PM Portia Simpson-Miller also received an award from New York City, Brooklyn Borough President where thousands of Caribbean mainly Jamaicans gathered to meet and greet the Prime Minister. The folks who could not fit inside the event stayed outside to show encouragement and to wish PM Simpson-Miller and her administration success in finding solutions to make Jamaica competitive once again.
PM Portia Simpson Miller and Counsel General Herman Lamont
The Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller was extremely humble as she eloquently stated and it was clearly visible to the audience of her passionate admiration of the warm greetings. Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller gets it; she knows that today’s leaders must be interactive with the people of the 21st century. Today leaders must be savvy and ready to respond to the people’s immediacy while recognizing global trends and demands. The PM identified opportunities and encouraged the diasporas to invest in Jamaica as she and her team stare the country out of this stubbornly slow bad global economy and work to restore Jamaica’s great name around the world. The most Hon. Prime Minister discussed Jamaica’s 50 years relationship with the United States which she intends to build on to strengthen the partnership. The Most Hon. Simpson-Miller made it clear that Jamaica and its neighboring Caribbean Community will work together and will be stronger in numbers.
The PM highlighted the sacrifices of Jamaica’s national heroes and the difficult journey they faced in helping Jamaica to gain independence. She reminded the audience that, “we are sons and daughters …from strong and good stocks with values…” The PM let it be known that “I-CAN” in Jamaican meant “We Will”, return to greatness and appeal to the Diasporas to let their children know where they came from, “where their navel string was cut and bury under the fruit tree”, as she smiles with affection. PM Portia Simpson-Miller assured the Diasporas of her party willingness to work together with all members for the betterment of the Jamaican people. The Prime Minister showed great patience and strong leadership as she tried to answer everyone’s questions even against the wishes of her Press Secretary Mr. Castrota who tried his best to be diplomatic on the wide range of questions from an enthusiastic audience.
The Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller identified some of the areas where trade and investment opportunities exist and encouraged everyone to work to own apart of Jamaica. The PM stated, “My administration is on a mission with ambition to create for Jamaica and I would like everyone to join with us, work with us to shape the future.” The PM invited the Diasporas to work with JAMPRO (Jamaica Promotions Corporation) and allow them to connect individuals and small businesses with opportunities available in Jamaica. It was at that moment that “A Jamaica Experience” believe Jamaica was witnessing the future “9th National Hero”, ( Bob Marley will be the 8th). Jamaicans globally must rally around Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller and her administration as they promote the country on the international market and identify all sectors for trade and investment opportunities.
In keeping up with PM Simpson-Miller aggressive marketing strategy for Jamaica and after knowing her success during the 6th Summit of the Americas in Columbia in April 2012; plus the fact that she was invited by Mr. Thomas Donohue, President of the US Chamber of Commerce to tour US businesses, Jamaican around the world should feel confident and proud of the current administration. PM Portia Simpson-Miller provides the country with strong leadership, a vision and the courage to make difficult choices. PM Simpson-Miller and her administration has and is aligning Jamaica with local and international partners to compete in the 21st Century. PM Simpson-Miller has been apart of local government since 1974, she is practical, experience and responsive to changes. The PM knows the scope of Jamaica business success must be in a position of Scalability, it cannot be “business as usual.” Jamaica cannot keep doing business the same old way and expect new results and the administration has taken on the tone on their leader, PM Simpson-Miller.
Secretary-General of the OAS met with the Jamaican Prime Minister (Photo credit: OEA – OAS)
Investors around the globe have started to retrain their thinking when it comes to investing in Jamaica. They know that when it comes to trade and investment opportunities in an emerging market country, you must analyze the stability of its government and vision of their leaders. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller has demonstrated that she is ready for the challenge by providing clear and concise direction. The PM has turned her energies into trade, investment and infrastructure. Jamaica is more competitive today with stronger relationships on the international platform and offers measurable and attainable goals. We at “A Jamaica Experience” encourage everyone to research trade and investment opportunities in Jamaica as the country is open for business.
