Brooklyn print edition (PDF) - Caribbean Life

Aug. 3–9, 2012 • Caribbean Life • Brooklyn/Staten Island • Page 4A Nation on a MissionBy Vinette K. PryceIn only six months of leadership,Prime Minister PortiaLucretia Simpson-Millerof Jamaica has elevated theisland’s profile by attractingpositive world attention andin the process gleaned accoladesfor the Caribbean.The nation’s first femalehead of state distinguishedher governance soon afterthe January inaugurationby meeting with CARICOMleaders and US PresidentBarack Obama to discuss theway forward.Simpson-Miller becamethe first head of governmentin Jamaican history to formallyendorse civil rightsfor lesbian, gay, bisexual andtransgender citizens.She made the commitmentduring the electioncampaign.“I have no problem givingcertain positions of authorityto a homosexual as long asthey show the necessary levelof competence for the post.”She confronted the controversialissue many beforeher had either side-steppedor denounced.The latter position resonatedas bigotry towards asegment of the society andmay have fomented intoleranceand discriminationagainst the minority population.Her statement was indirect opposition to her predecessor’sPM Bruce Goldingwho told a BBC reporter hewould never allow gays to sitin his cabinet.“I make no apology in sayingdecisively and emphaticallythat the government ofJamaica remains irrevocablyopposed to the recognition,legitimization or acceptanceof same-sex marriages orsame-sex unions.”Simpson-Miller also took abold and controversial stancewhen she endorsed replacingthe position of the Britishmonarchy with an electedhead of state.She is the second headof government to openlyendorse republicanism afterPM Percival J. Patterson.Simpson-Miller has reportedlypledged to transformJamaica into a Republic aspart of the fiftieth anniversaryof the island’s independence.Reportedly, she believesJamaica should become arepublic, in keeping with themandate of independence.However, she pleasedcrown and country in April,welcoming Prince Harry tothe Commonwealth nation.In commemoration of QueenElizabeth II’s 60th reign onthe throne of England, hergrandson visited Jamaica andwas graciously received.Now in the sixth month ofher affiliated People’s NationalParty rule, the 10th primeminister of the island isimmersed in fulfilling campaignpromises regardingdomestic demands.She recently appeasedDiasporan residents of NewYork visiting Brooklyn, hometo the largest immigrantcommunity from her country.While here, Simpson-Milleraccepted the oldest suspensionbridge in the UnitedStates, generously gifted byBorough President MartyMarkowitz, who chose theBrooklyn Bridge as a significantkeepsake for her firsttimevisit since her inauguration.She accepted the miniaturereplica of the 129-year-old, steel suspensionand national monument at achurch in the Crown Heightssection of Brooklyn.In addition, Markowitzsigned a proclamation declaringApril 25, 2012, “Jamaica50 Day in NYC.”Jamaicans showed up innumbers to greet their leader.While here the PM alsointroduced the new consulgeneral to the tri-state area.She endorsed the appointmentof Herman G. Lamont,saying “inclusiveness” is theaim of the new consul.“He will work with allJamaicans,” and maintainan “open door policy, one ofinclusiveness.”Portia Simpson-Miller receives Prince Harry, grandsonof the British monarch.AP Photo/Collin Reid