Dawn Ritch, Contributor
FOR SOMEONE described by her opponents as unsophisticated, Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller has been remarkably intelligent and mild-mannered, though determined, in her bid for the presidency of the People's National Party (PNP).
Not from her lips the ugliness, but pure sweetness and light. I, for one, hope therefore, that this does not mean that she will fail to knock down who needs it, should she be elected.
Despite the PSOJ's flip-flopping, and their attempts to create a controversy about her intellectual capacity and courage, supporters of Dr. Omar Davies suggesting she is not "world class", and those of Dr. Peter Phillips saying that she has to read from a piece of paper unless she is given three hours' notice, Mrs. Simpson Miller has emerged gracious and alert. So much so, that last week, all her political opponents were trying to keep in her good graces.
Had Portia been a member of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), no one would have challenged her for its leadership. Acres and acres of money would have been saved, and the party would have been in office long ago with herself as Prime Minister.
Once, when the former Leader of the Opposition Edward Seaga and I were talking at the Jamaica Conference Centre, he told me I could get Karl Samuda back, but I was to leave Portia to him. He was dealing with that personally he said. Regardless of who tried, however, Mrs. Simpson Miller sweetly and politely declined.
But she has not been above teasing JLP M.P's with it when they behave like political dunces. More than a few have told me that one of her favourite sotto voce remarks in the House of Parliament is: "You know, mind I come over there and save Bustamante's party." Let the record show, therefore, that Mrs. Simpson Miller has taken the long route to the office of Prime Minister in more ways than one.
CERTIFICATION
In a recent radio interview, she said she took the message from her defeat in 1992 by P.J. Patterson, and "got her certification". I thought it the most unselfconscious remark I'd ever heard. Because she wasn't taking about high school, but a university degree. No one will be surprised, therefore, to know that this mature student has already been awarded an honorary doctorate by a tertiary institution abroad.
At a totally basic level, my own requirements for the office of prime minister are only two. The first is that when the individual talks, I must be able to understand, and know that these are not mere words, but action will be taken. I regard that as non-negotiable. The second requirement is that the person should either be beautiful or handsome.
The first criterion ensures that should the second be failed, I'll still be glad to see the holder of the office on television. P. J. Patterson's magnificent shirts began to pale after a few years. Prime Ministers tend to last a while. They ought never, therefore, to bring to the post simply a trunk full of brand new clothes.
In this regard, it is noteworthy that the sole female contender has brought to her campaign a personal verve and elegance. The founder of modern couture, Coco Chanel, once famously said that after the age of 50, women get the face they deserve. Mrs. Simpson Miller's transformation has been exquisite indeed.
SHINING THE BRIGHTEST
The irony is that some people think she backed out of the debates because she was afraid of being shown up. Yet, any situation in which she has found herself, adverse or otherwise, has always been the place she shines the brightest.
One thing any debate audience could count on is that they would understand everything she says, and not a word of the others. This is for the simple reason that Mrs. Simpson Miller has never needed to master the art of sounding like a technocrat. She doesn't seem to feel like blinding anybody with science. Confidence such as hers has no need to conceal its intent, nor meaning. She's a product that sells itself, and this leaves her opponents tongue-tied. They should be grateful they were spared the humiliation of a public debate.
SPEAKING WITHOUT NOTES
Mrs. Simpson Miller has been speaking without notes or prompting all over the island for the last several months, despite the fact that there are six or seven Ph.Ds. on her team and among her advisers. Much of what she said has been carried in the press. Not a soul has noticed any incapacitation. Indeed, she moves more easily about the language and the terrain than any of her rivals, so their jealousy is quite understandable. All over the world, front-runners don't like debates while those who trail, clamour for them. Jamaica has been no different.
Portia's intelligence and development far supersede that of her opponents. It is just a pity that such an obvious choice for Prime Minister has been battered by her colleagues, the PSOJ, an opportunistic JLP, and the media. It must be said, however, that such nonsense only serves to make the prize all the sweeter. It has strengthened her determination because she has had to fight for every inch of ground gained.
The Queen's English has been used to confuse the people for far too long. These Dr. 'Know Alls' are the very people who have led the country to the sorry state in which we find ourselves. Portia represents an opportunity for the restoration of common sense, caring and honesty in public life.
The prospect of a prime minister who is not an expert in every single facet of life, from the details of the macroeconomy to the molecular composition of a head of yam, is exciting. It lifts the curtains on the possibility of a truly participatory leadership, only before attempted by Sir Alexander Bustamante and Hugh Shearer, which is why I suppose so many Labourites are flocking to her side.
Portia promises all of this, plus transparency as well. She married a man of substance and achievement. Errald Miller has the financial independence to provide the country with just what it needs: his wife. She is someone not looking to make a quick buck, somebody able to provide practical management and integrity in governance, and she is in nobody's back pocket.
TRAVEL WITH HER HAIRDRESSER
In case she succeeds, it would be well to note that like Condoleezza Rice, Mrs. Simpson Miller will have to travel with her hairdresser. Nor should we expect that as Prime Minister, she will be any less turned out than she is today. Nobody fussed when Patterson wore Saville Row suits. Hers are already Rena Lange, Escada, and St. John, and none of it at taxpayers' expense.
