Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (left) horses around with Prime Minister-designate and new People's National Party President Portia Simpson Miller and party Chairman Robert Pickersgill during a ceremonial passing of the baton at the Sunset Jamaica Grande hotel in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on Sunday. The House will today pay tribute to Mr. Patterson. - IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
TODAY'S JOINT sitting of the Parliament will be marked by tributes to outgoing Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.
According to acting Deputy Clerk of the House, Valrie Curtis, the entire sitting will be used to facilitate the tributes, which are expected to come from both sides of the House. Ms. Curtis said all 21 senators are expected to be in attendance at this historic sitting.
Mr. Patterson will on Thursday officially hand over the reins to Prime Minister-designate Portia Simpson Miller, who won the People's National Party's (PNP) presidential race on February 25, making her the first female leader and Prime Minister of Jamaica.
Mr. Patterson is Jamaica's longest-serving Prime Minister. He was appointed Prime Minister of Jamaica in March 1992, following his election as president of the PNP, on the retirement of former Prime Minister, Michael Manley.
Mr. Patterson was returned to office in 1993 and has written his name in the history books as the first Prime Minister of Jamaica to be sworn in for a fourth consecutive term of office, after he led the PNP to victory in the 2002 general election.
PJ TO PORTIA
Passing the baton from P.J. to Portia: a special souvenir supplement coming this Thursday in The Gleaner.
Additional information from the Jamaica Information Service.
