Most Honourable PJ Patterson

Most Honourable PJ Patterson is a former prime minister of Jamaica. He served an unprecedented four terms, from 1992 until 2006. He is a member of the Global Leadership Foundation, an NGO comprising former presidents, prime ministers and government ministers that works to support democratic leadership and help resolve conflicts.

Between 2006 and 2007, Patterson chaired the Committee on Commonwealth Membership. He is also a member of the Club de Madrid, a group of more than 100 former presidents and prime ministers of democratic countries that works to strengthen democracy around the world.

Patterson was first appointed to the Jamaican Cabinet in 1972. His diverse portfolio responsibilities during his career in public service spanned finance and planning, commerce, trade, industry, tourism, foreign affairs and urban development. He served as deputy prime minister between 1989 and 1991. In 1992, he replaced Michael Manley, who resigned due to ill-health, as prime minister.

During his tenure as prime minister, there was huge investment in modernising Jamaica’s infrastructure and restructuring of its financial sector. Patterson also led a programme to transform the island’s education system.