PROFILE ON THE MOST HON PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER, M.P.,LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

Portia Simpson Miller was born in Wood Hall, St. Catherine and attended the Marlie Hill Primary School, St. Martin\'s High School and the Union Institute, Miami Florida where she read for a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration. While completing her degree she also completed a Diploma in Computing, Programming and Public Relations.



ACHIEVEMENTS



· Leader of the Opposition - September 1, 2007 - present

· Prime Minister of Jamaica March 31, 2006 - September 10, 2007

· Elected President of the People\'s National Party on February 25th, 2006 and Prime Minister designate

· Minister of Local Government, Community Development & Sport

· Former Minister of Tourism and Sport with responsibilities for Entertainment & Gender Issues

· Acted in the capacity of Prime Minister on several occasions · Vice President of the People\'s National Party since 1978

· Participated in First Eleanor Roosevelt Caucus of Women Political Leaders

· Participated in “Women in Leadership Conference” at the John F. Kennedy School , Harvard University , in 1997

· Recipient of the Certificate for completion of the Executive Programme for Leaders in Development at the above institution in 1999

· Holder of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration from Union Institute in Miami, Certificates in Public Relations, Advanced Management Awarded Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the Union Institute An advocate for the poor, the dispossessed, the oppressed and all those who remain voiceless and faceless in the corridors of power

· Holds a steadfast vision for development and change in the Jamaican Society “It is often said that - “ while the nation sleeps, she works.”



PROFESSION



In her business career she has worked in various positions as Secretary and in the Social Service Field



POSITIONS HELD IN GOVERNMENT



· March 2006 - September 10, 2007 Prime Minister of Jamaica

· October 2002 - 2006 , Minister of Local Government and Sport

· Feb. 21, 2000 – 2002 Minister of Tourism & Sports

· 1995 – Feb. 20, 2000 Minister of Labour, Social Security & Sports

· 1993 – 1995 Minister of Labour & Welfare

· 1989 – 1993 Minister of Labour,Welfare and Sports

· 1983 – 1989 PNP\'s Spokesperson on Women\'s affairs, Pension, Social Security and Consumer Affairs Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government Member of Parliament for South West St. Andrew since

· 1989 Councillor of the KSAC in 1974 &

· 1976 Sits on the Executive Council and the National Executive Council for the Party

· Active and leading Member of the PNP