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SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S MARCH 15 MEETING WITH PRIME
MINISTER-ELECT PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER
REF: A. KINGSTON 0402
¶B. POWELL/BENT 3/14/06 E-MAIL
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas C. Tighe. Reasons 1.4(b)
and (d).
-------
Summary
-------
¶1. (C) On March 15, the Ambassador called on a visibly weary
Portia Simpson Miller (PSM), at Jamaica House. Minister of
Commerce, Science, Technology, and Energy Phillip Paulwell
and former Foreign Trade Minister Tony Hylton were also
present. In their first formal meeting since the latter's
triumph in the February 25 PNP election to determine a
successor to outgoing Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, they
discussed the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), the
importance of education and the success in Jamaica of the
President's Centers for Excellence in Teacher Training (CETT)
program. The Ambassador encouraged Simpson Miller to select
the best individuals possible for her Cabinet, but was
constrained in how candid she could be about our concerns
about corruption by the presence of the highly suspect
Paulwell. (We are nevertheless confident that the message
registered, as Hylton subsequently asked the Canadians,
disingenuously in our view, whether the Ambassador was trying
to signal concern.) Simpson extended a verbal invitation to
the Secretary to attend the March 30 ceremony marking her
assumption of the premiership. End Summary.
------------------------------------
Meeting the Prime Minister-designate
------------------------------------
¶2. (SBU) On March 15, the Ambassador called on a
tired-looking Portia Simpson Miller, at Jamaica House. In
their first formal meeting since the latter's triumph in the
February 25 Peoples National Party (PNP) election to
determine a successor to outgoing Prime Minister P.J.
Patterson (Ref A), Simpson Miller was joined by Phillip
Paulwell, Minister of Commerce, Science, Technology, and
Energy, and Ambassador Tony Hylton, a former Minister of
Trade; DCM and Pol/EconCouns (notetaker) accompanied the
Ambassador.
------------------------
Interest in MCA and CETT
------------------------
¶3. (SBU) The Ambassador began by reiterating her
congratulations on Simpson Miller's victory, and expressed a
desire to work closely with the GOJ on issues of mutual
concern, including counternarcotics efforts, and cooperating
where possible to ensure proper security for the 2007 Cricket
World Cup. Noting the budget constraints imposed by U.S.
commitments in the Middle East and elsewhere, the Ambassador
nevertheless outlined the potential benefits to Jamaica of
participation in the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). She
also briefly described the Centers for Excellence in Teacher
Training (CETT) Program, having recently visited two
participating CETT schools, and encouraged the PM-elect to
identify an appropriate member of her team for follow-up on
both MCA and CETT. Simpson Miller expressed keen interest in
both programs, explaining that she intended to "hit the
ground running" upon taking office. On the spot, she
directed Paulwell, Hylton, and Rosalee Hammond (whom she
described as a policy advisor) to follow up with the Embassy
for more information.
-----------------
Cabinet Selection
-----------------
¶4. (C) The Ambassador also encouraged Simpson Miller to
select the best individuals available to serve in her
Cabinet, and noted that her selections were eagerly
anticipated - and would be closely watched - domestically and
abroad. As if anticipating the Ambassador's unspecified
concerns about Paulwell (and with Paulwell seated next to the
Ambassador), Simpson Miller specifically stated that she had
not yet decided who would be her Minister of National
Security. (Note: Per Ref B, on March 13, the Ambassador and
British High Commissioner Jeremy Cresswell met to discuss
mutual concerns over the possible inclusion of Paulwell in
the new Cabinet, and how best to raise the issue with Simpson
Miller in their respective meetings. Cresswell, who met with
Simpson Miller later on March 14, subsequently briefed the
Ambassador. Paulwell and Hylton also sat in on that meeting,
he said, which similarly limited what he could say with
Paulwell present. End note.)
----------------
Early Elections?
----------------
¶5. (C) Simpson Miller indicated that she would not make
wholesale changes until winning a popular mandate in a
general election. She implied but did not specifically state
that she would call early elections, noting that she did not
want "campaigning" to mar the March-April 2007 Cricket World
Cup, and that she could not effect a number of Cabinet
changes she hoped to make without an electoral mandate.
Simpson Miller implied on several occasions that she would
like to replace more ministers than was politically
expedient, or possible. (Note: Unlike in the U.S. system,
where a president can draw Cabinet officers from politics,
the private sector, academia, or almost anywhere else, in
Jamaica members of Cabinet must be sitting members of the
legislature, either as elected MPs or as appointed senators.
End note.) Whereas her campaign slogan was "Team Portia",
Simpson Miller emphasized that she intends to govern
inclusively as "Team Jamaica," and to continue her campaign
practice of not answering some critics' vitriolic political
attacks in kind. Clearly with an eye on the general
elections, she said she planned to spend as much time as her
governing responsibilities allowed reaching out to Jamaicans
on "street corners and rural areas," and that she would
require her ministers to maintain a more visible public
presence in the exercise of their portfolios.
---------------------------
Invitation to the Secretary
---------------------------
¶6. (SBU) Noting that the Secretary recently attended
presidential inaugurations in Liberia and Chile, Simpson
Miller specifically extended a verbal invitation to the
Secretary to attend her swearing-in ceremony in Kingston on
SIPDIS
March 30. (Paulwell added that specifics on the ceremony
would soon be forthcoming from the Foreign Ministry. As of
March 17, however, we have heard nothing further. In
response to a call from the DCM, MFA Permanent Secretary said
that he, too, was awaiting guidance on the nature and scope
of the ceremony.) The Ambassador replied that she would
convey word of the invitation to the Department.
--------------------------------------
A Simpson Miller Rival Awaits His Fate
--------------------------------------
¶7. (C) Meanwhile, current Minister of National Security Peter
Phillips, who lost to Simpson Miller on February 25 and whose
campaign had been sharply critical of the eventual victor,
requested to meet with a member of the Embassy Country Team
on March 16. Apparently wishing to convey a message, he told
the officer that he has had no contact with Simpson Miller or
her team about whether or not he will be asked to serve in
her Cabinet. Phillips was the second-largest vote-getter on
February 25, and still commands considerable support and
respect within the party. If asked, Phillips continued, he
would agree to remain in his current post, or assume either
the Finance Ministry or Foreign Affairs/Foreign Trade
portfolio. None of the other ministries interested him, he
said, and if none is offered, he will simply become a
back-bencher in Parliament.
-------
Comment
-------
¶8. (C) Having sewn up the contest to succeed Patterson,
Simpson Miller is now well along in that hectic transitional
phase from second-tier minister to the top job. Paulwell's
presence at the meeting signaled his importance to Simpson
Miller and, potentially, his influence in her government.
Unfortunately, it also limited the candor with which the
Ambassador could address the corruption issue during the
meeting. That said, though her message was couched in terms
of the importance of selecting the "best" individuals for
Cabinet, we believe that Simpson Miller, Paulwell, and Hylton
clearly understood it. Canadian DCM Brian Burton told DCM
March 16 that Hylton had visited his boss, Canadian High
Commissioner Claudio Valle, earlier that day to ask Valle
whether the U.S. Ambassador and the British High Commissioner
had intended to convey a message to Simpson Miller.
According to Burton, Valle, who knows Simpson Miller well
from two previous tours in Jamaica and who planned to have a
one-on-one conversation with her about corruption concerns,
responded frankly to Hylton's inquiry. Valle bluntly
confirmed to Hylton that the Canadian, U.S. and U.K. missions
are indeed concerned about Paulwell's reputed illicit
activities and associations, and by the possibility that he
(or others like him who supported Simpson Miller's campaign)
could hold sensitive positions, or wield influence, in her
government. Burton added that Hylton did not seem surprised
by Valle's remarks.
MINISTER-ELECT PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER
REF: A. KINGSTON 0402
¶B. POWELL/BENT 3/14/06 E-MAIL
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas C. Tighe. Reasons 1.4(b)
and (d).
-------
Summary
-------
¶1. (C) On March 15, the Ambassador called on a visibly weary
Portia Simpson Miller (PSM), at Jamaica House. Minister of
Commerce, Science, Technology, and Energy Phillip Paulwell
and former Foreign Trade Minister Tony Hylton were also
present. In their first formal meeting since the latter's
triumph in the February 25 PNP election to determine a
successor to outgoing Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, they
discussed the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), the
importance of education and the success in Jamaica of the
President's Centers for Excellence in Teacher Training (CETT)
program. The Ambassador encouraged Simpson Miller to select
the best individuals possible for her Cabinet, but was
constrained in how candid she could be about our concerns
about corruption by the presence of the highly suspect
Paulwell. (We are nevertheless confident that the message
registered, as Hylton subsequently asked the Canadians,
disingenuously in our view, whether the Ambassador was trying
to signal concern.) Simpson extended a verbal invitation to
the Secretary to attend the March 30 ceremony marking her
assumption of the premiership. End Summary.
------------------------------------
Meeting the Prime Minister-designate
------------------------------------
¶2. (SBU) On March 15, the Ambassador called on a
tired-looking Portia Simpson Miller, at Jamaica House. In
their first formal meeting since the latter's triumph in the
February 25 Peoples National Party (PNP) election to
determine a successor to outgoing Prime Minister P.J.
Patterson (Ref A), Simpson Miller was joined by Phillip
Paulwell, Minister of Commerce, Science, Technology, and
Energy, and Ambassador Tony Hylton, a former Minister of
Trade; DCM and Pol/EconCouns (notetaker) accompanied the
Ambassador.
------------------------
Interest in MCA and CETT
------------------------
¶3. (SBU) The Ambassador began by reiterating her
congratulations on Simpson Miller's victory, and expressed a
desire to work closely with the GOJ on issues of mutual
concern, including counternarcotics efforts, and cooperating
where possible to ensure proper security for the 2007 Cricket
World Cup. Noting the budget constraints imposed by U.S.
commitments in the Middle East and elsewhere, the Ambassador
nevertheless outlined the potential benefits to Jamaica of
participation in the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). She
also briefly described the Centers for Excellence in Teacher
Training (CETT) Program, having recently visited two
participating CETT schools, and encouraged the PM-elect to
identify an appropriate member of her team for follow-up on
both MCA and CETT. Simpson Miller expressed keen interest in
both programs, explaining that she intended to "hit the
ground running" upon taking office. On the spot, she
directed Paulwell, Hylton, and Rosalee Hammond (whom she
described as a policy advisor) to follow up with the Embassy
for more information.
-----------------
Cabinet Selection
-----------------
¶4. (C) The Ambassador also encouraged Simpson Miller to
select the best individuals available to serve in her
Cabinet, and noted that her selections were eagerly
anticipated - and would be closely watched - domestically and
abroad. As if anticipating the Ambassador's unspecified
concerns about Paulwell (and with Paulwell seated next to the
Ambassador), Simpson Miller specifically stated that she had
not yet decided who would be her Minister of National
Security. (Note: Per Ref B, on March 13, the Ambassador and
British High Commissioner Jeremy Cresswell met to discuss
mutual concerns over the possible inclusion of Paulwell in
the new Cabinet, and how best to raise the issue with Simpson
Miller in their respective meetings. Cresswell, who met with
Simpson Miller later on March 14, subsequently briefed the
Ambassador. Paulwell and Hylton also sat in on that meeting,
he said, which similarly limited what he could say with
Paulwell present. End note.)
----------------
Early Elections?
----------------
¶5. (C) Simpson Miller indicated that she would not make
wholesale changes until winning a popular mandate in a
general election. She implied but did not specifically state
that she would call early elections, noting that she did not
want "campaigning" to mar the March-April 2007 Cricket World
Cup, and that she could not effect a number of Cabinet
changes she hoped to make without an electoral mandate.
Simpson Miller implied on several occasions that she would
like to replace more ministers than was politically
expedient, or possible. (Note: Unlike in the U.S. system,
where a president can draw Cabinet officers from politics,
the private sector, academia, or almost anywhere else, in
Jamaica members of Cabinet must be sitting members of the
legislature, either as elected MPs or as appointed senators.
End note.) Whereas her campaign slogan was "Team Portia",
Simpson Miller emphasized that she intends to govern
inclusively as "Team Jamaica," and to continue her campaign
practice of not answering some critics' vitriolic political
attacks in kind. Clearly with an eye on the general
elections, she said she planned to spend as much time as her
governing responsibilities allowed reaching out to Jamaicans
on "street corners and rural areas," and that she would
require her ministers to maintain a more visible public
presence in the exercise of their portfolios.
---------------------------
Invitation to the Secretary
---------------------------
¶6. (SBU) Noting that the Secretary recently attended
presidential inaugurations in Liberia and Chile, Simpson
Miller specifically extended a verbal invitation to the
Secretary to attend her swearing-in ceremony in Kingston on
SIPDIS
March 30. (Paulwell added that specifics on the ceremony
would soon be forthcoming from the Foreign Ministry. As of
March 17, however, we have heard nothing further. In
response to a call from the DCM, MFA Permanent Secretary said
that he, too, was awaiting guidance on the nature and scope
of the ceremony.) The Ambassador replied that she would
convey word of the invitation to the Department.
--------------------------------------
A Simpson Miller Rival Awaits His Fate
--------------------------------------
¶7. (C) Meanwhile, current Minister of National Security Peter
Phillips, who lost to Simpson Miller on February 25 and whose
campaign had been sharply critical of the eventual victor,
requested to meet with a member of the Embassy Country Team
on March 16. Apparently wishing to convey a message, he told
the officer that he has had no contact with Simpson Miller or
her team about whether or not he will be asked to serve in
her Cabinet. Phillips was the second-largest vote-getter on
February 25, and still commands considerable support and
respect within the party. If asked, Phillips continued, he
would agree to remain in his current post, or assume either
the Finance Ministry or Foreign Affairs/Foreign Trade
portfolio. None of the other ministries interested him, he
said, and if none is offered, he will simply become a
back-bencher in Parliament.
-------
Comment
-------
¶8. (C) Having sewn up the contest to succeed Patterson,
Simpson Miller is now well along in that hectic transitional
phase from second-tier minister to the top job. Paulwell's
presence at the meeting signaled his importance to Simpson
Miller and, potentially, his influence in her government.
Unfortunately, it also limited the candor with which the
Ambassador could address the corruption issue during the
meeting. That said, though her message was couched in terms
of the importance of selecting the "best" individuals for
Cabinet, we believe that Simpson Miller, Paulwell, and Hylton
clearly understood it. Canadian DCM Brian Burton told DCM
March 16 that Hylton had visited his boss, Canadian High
Commissioner Claudio Valle, earlier that day to ask Valle
whether the U.S. Ambassador and the British High Commissioner
had intended to convey a message to Simpson Miller.
According to Burton, Valle, who knows Simpson Miller well
from two previous tours in Jamaica and who planned to have a
one-on-one conversation with her about corruption concerns,
responded frankly to Hylton's inquiry. Valle bluntly
confirmed to Hylton that the Canadian, U.S. and U.K. missions
are indeed concerned about Paulwell's reputed illicit
activities and associations, and by the possibility that he
(or others like him who supported Simpson Miller's campaign)
could hold sensitive positions, or wield influence, in her
government. Burton added that Hylton did not seem surprised
by Valle's remarks.
Comment