President Obama Congratulates Jamaica's New Prime Minister

Category: MNI View Created on Tuesday, 10 January 2012 07:28 Written by Associated Press

United States President Barack Obama has phoned Jamaica's new prime minister to congratulate her on leading her party back to power.

A White House statement issued today says Obama and Portia Simpson Miller discussed their responsibility for boosting the security of citizens and the importance of economic growth in improving Jamaicans' lives.

The statement also says Obama looks forward to working with Simpson Miller at an upcoming regional summit in Colombia.

The 66-year-old Simpson Miller was sworn in last week after her opposition People's National Party captured 42 seats in Jamaica's 63-seat legislature.

She became Jamaica's first female leader during her year-and-a-half-long first stint in office that ended in 2007.