New Jamaica PM Calls for Unity

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Regional

Saturday, 31 December 2011 02:30

By caribarena news

Portia Simpson-Miller, Jamaica's prime minister designate, issued a call for unity in the wake of her People's National Party (PNP)  victory on Thursday.

Simpson-Miller made history as the first woman to lead Jamaica politically. The PNP whipped the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) 41-22, according to preliminary results.

During her victory speech, she told the crowd, "This leader with her team will be working with all Jamaicans, as one Jamaican family, as we shape the future of Jamaica together."

Thursday's election was called a year ahead of the constitutional deadline. The PNP had been out of power since 1997.

Meanwhile, defeated Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, "Starting tomorrow we will be rebuilding. Our campaign for the next government starts tomorrow.

We are determined to serve the people of the country in the best way possible. ... It is clear to us however that the people of the country still have certain concerns apparently about the Jamaica Labour Party and we will be reflecting on those."

Holness also made history as the only one-term prime minister in Jamaica. He was also the youngest, at 39.

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