The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) party in Grenada has welcomed Saturday’s victory of Portia Simpson-Miller for the presidency of the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) in Jamaica.

The most senior female politician in the PNP defeated former National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillip in a close race to take charge of the PNP.

The victory would see Simpson-Miller replace retiring Prime Minister P.J. Paterson as the head of government when he steps down from office in April. Traditionally, the NDC has been close to the PNP since the formation of the Congress party in the mid-1980’s.

Several PNP officials including former General Secretary. D.K Duncan and executive member, Everton Price have addressed annual conventions of the NDC over the years. However, the trend was interrupted a few years ago when Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell and his governing New National Party (NNP) managed to get Simpson-Miller to visit the island to address one of their party functions.

The NNP has often maintained ties with the rival Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) now headed by Bruce Golding who is considered to be a close friend of Prime Minister Mitchell. In its statement on the outcome of the battle for the PNP leadership, the Congress party hailed Simpson-Miller as one who has worked hard “for the common Jamaican, and we have every confidence you will take this with you to the office of the Prime Minister when you eventually succeed Prime Minister Patterson”.

Following is the full text of the NDC statement sent to Portia Simpson-Miller:

We of the National Democratic Congress and the official Parliamentary Opposition of Grenada congratulate you on your election as President of the People's National Party of Jamaica. You have been a long and faithful servant of the party and richly deserve the ascendancy to its highest position.

We have no doubt you will continue the rich legacy of its past stalwarts such as Norman Washington Manley, Michael Manley and P.J. Patterson. In over 30 years as a Parliamentary Representative you have shown concern and have worked hard for the common Jamaican, and we have every confidence you will take this with you to the office of the Prime Minister when you eventually succeed Prime Minister Patterson.

Indeed we take inspiration from your history of struggle on behalf of the Jamaican people, and you are admired by us, as much as the polls have suggested you are admired by your own people. We have no doubt that the strong historic ties between the National Democratic Congress and the People's National Party will continue under your leadership, as we share a common philosophy of empowerment of the weakest and most vulnerable among us. We look forward to working together at the regional level.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mitchell has sent his congratulations and best wishes to Simpson-Miller on being elected as the new president of the PNP.
A government release said that on hearing of the victory, the Grenadian leader phoned to congratulate her.

It said: “Prime Minister Mitchell noted that like Grenadians, Jamaicans have had to work hard and make sacrifices to rebuild their country after being hit by recent hurricanes.

“He also stated that although Jamaica had its own challenges that the Government and people of Jamaica came to the assistance of Grenada during the difficult times after Hurricane Ivan.

“Prime Minister Mitchell noted that Grenada and Jamaica have enjoyed a very close relationship and he looked forward to working with Mrs. Simpson Miller”, it added.