Portia Simpson-Miller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Honourable
Portia Simpson-Miller
ON
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Simpson-Miller in 2011
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| 7th Prime Minister of Jamaica | |
| In office 5 January 2012 – 3 March 2016 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor-General | Patrick Allen |
| Deputy | Peter Phillips |
| Preceded by | Andrew Holness |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Holness |
| In office 30 March 2006 – 11 September 2007 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor-General | Kenneth Hall |
| Preceded by | P. J. Patterson |
| Succeeded by | Bruce Golding |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 3 March 2016 – 2 April 2017 |
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| Prime Minister | Andrew Holness |
| Preceded by | Andrew Holness |
| Succeeded by | Peter Phillips |
| In office 11 September 2007 – 5 January 2012 |
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| Prime Minister | Bruce Golding Andrew Holness |
| Preceded by | Bruce Golding |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Holness |
| President of the People's National Party | |
| In office 30 March 2005 – 26 March 2017 |
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| Preceded by | P. J. Patterson |
| Succeeded by | Peter Phillips |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Portia Lucretia Simpson
12 December 1945 Wood Hall, Colony of Jamaica |
| Political party | People's National Party |
| Spouse |
Errald Miller
(m. 1998) |
| Alma mater | Union Institute and University |
Portia Lucretia Simpson-Miller (born 12 December 1945) is a Jamaican former politician. She made history as the first female Prime Minister of Jamaica. She served as prime minister twice: first from March 2006 to September 2007, and then again from January 2012 to March 2016.
She was also the leader of the People's National Party (PNP) from 2005 to 2017. Additionally, she served as the Leader of the Opposition twice. This role means she led the main political party that was not in power.
During her time as prime minister, Simpson-Miller also held important roles like Minister of Defence and Minister of Information. She also served as Minister of Labour, Social Security, Sport, Tourism, and Local Government during her long career.
In 2012, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. She was also named Person of the Year by The Gleaner and Observer in 2011.
Contents
Political Journey and Leadership
Portia Simpson-Miller began her political journey in 1976. She was elected to the Parliament of Jamaica to represent South West St. Andrew Parish. She was a member of the People's National Party (PNP).
She served as a vice president of the PNP for many years. In 2006, she became the president of the party. This was a big step, as she was chosen to lead one of Jamaica's major political parties.
Becoming Prime Minister
On 30 March 2006, Portia Simpson-Miller became the Prime Minister of Jamaica. This was a historic moment because she was the first woman to lead the country. She was also the third female head of government in the English-speaking Caribbean. When she formed her government, she also took on the role of defence minister.
The 2007 Election
In the general election held on 3 September 2007, her party, the PNP, lost by a small number of seats. The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) won more seats. This election ended 18 years of PNP rule. Bruce Golding became the new prime minister.
After the election, Simpson-Miller initially did not accept the results. She mentioned possible voting problems. However, international observers from the Organization of American States said the election was fair. She accepted the defeat on 5 September. Bruce Golding took over as prime minister on 11 September.
The 2011 Election Victory
In December 2011, the then-Prime Minister Andrew Holness called for an early election. The election was set for 29 December. Many people thought the election would be very close. However, as Simpson-Miller campaigned, her party gained more support.
On election day, the PNP won a large number of seats. The Jamaica Observer quickly announced that the PNP had won. The official results were declared on 5 January. Portia Simpson-Miller then formed the new government. The PNP won 42 out of 63 seats, a big victory.
The 2016 Election and Stepping Down
On 25 February 2016, Portia Simpson-Miller's party lost the general election. They lost to Andrew Holness and the JLP by just one seat. This meant she became the Leader of the Opposition for the second time.
After this defeat, there were calls for her to step down as party leader. On 4 December 2016, she announced she would not seek re-election. Peter Phillips took over as the PNP leader in March 2017. Simpson-Miller then stepped down as a Member of Parliament in June 2017.
Key Political Views
Portia Simpson-Miller supports Jamaican republicanism. This means she believes Jamaica should become a republic with an elected president. She has said she wanted Jamaica to become a republic around its 50th anniversary of independence.
She also became the first Jamaican head of government to openly support civil rights for all citizens, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. She stated that she believes in equality for everyone in the nation.
Personal Life and Education
In 1998, Portia Simpson married Errald Miller. He was a business executive. In 2006, she received the Jamaican Order of the Nation. This honor gave her the title "The Most Honourable."
People often call her by her nicknames, "Sista P" or "Mama P."
Simpson-Miller studied public administration at the Union Institute & University in the United States. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1997. She was a cabinet minister at the time.
Awards and Recognitions
- In 2012, Time magazine listed her as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
- In 2011, The Gleaner and Observer named her Person of the Year.
Portia Simpson-Miller is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders. This group connects current and former female presidents and prime ministers worldwide. In 2013, she was elected vice-president of Socialist International.
She has also received several honorary doctorates:
- An honorary doctor of humane letters from Union Institute & University in 2001.
- An honorary doctor of public service from Northern Caribbean University in 2012.
- An honorary doctor of laws from the University of the West Indies in 2017.
See also
- Cabinet of Jamaica
- Women in the House of Representatives of Jamaica
