Jamaican prime minister P.J. Patterson elected to a second term

Jet, Jan 12, 1998

Jamaica's Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, who was recently re-elected to a second term, pledged to end political violence in Jamaica.

"I regard this (victory) as a clear signal to all who are too blind to see that the country wants an end to political violence," Patterson, 62, told supporters during his victory rally in Kingston, Jamaica.

"I hope that tonight we are not only turning a page but opening a brand-new and exciting chapter in the annals of Jamaican politics," he said.

Patterson said he would make education a top priority, along with improved water, electricity, sanitation, telephone service and new roads. Providing land and affordable shelter also are important, he said.

"It is also very critical to win the fight against crime and the scourge of drugs," he said.

Patterson's election also represents the first time since 1944 that a political party has won three consecutive terms in office. Patterson is a member of the People's National Party.

Despite some outbursts of violence, the election was viewed as the most peaceful in recent decades.

To help keep the peace, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter led a delegation of international observers during the election, including Colin Powell, the son of Jamaican immigrants and former chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, and heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield.