#89 Portia Simpson Miller
08.31.06, 6:00 PM ET
Prime Minister
Jamaica © AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa
This Caribbean nation's first female prime minister was elected in February as the candidate of the People's National Party. A longtime government official who was born into rural poverty, Simpson Miller formerly oversaw tourism, labor, community development, local government and social security affairs for the island. As sports minister, she oversaw Jamaica's first foray into soccer's World Cup, and as tourism minister, she dealt with a decimated travel industry following the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
In her inaugural address, Simpson Miller vowed to fight corruption, support the poor with economic programs and ensure individual liberty. The popular prime minister now must lead her party to victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections next year. —Chana Schoenberger
Forbes Magazine
08.31.06, 6:00 PM ET
Prime Minister
Jamaica © AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa
This Caribbean nation's first female prime minister was elected in February as the candidate of the People's National Party. A longtime government official who was born into rural poverty, Simpson Miller formerly oversaw tourism, labor, community development, local government and social security affairs for the island. As sports minister, she oversaw Jamaica's first foray into soccer's World Cup, and as tourism minister, she dealt with a decimated travel industry following the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
In her inaugural address, Simpson Miller vowed to fight corruption, support the poor with economic programs and ensure individual liberty. The popular prime minister now must lead her party to victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections next year. —Chana Schoenberger
Forbes Magazine
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