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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.
Leader of the Opposition - September 1, 2007 - December 2011
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."
In her business career she has worked in various positions as Secretary and in the Social Service Field.
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