Haiti History: Biographies

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P. J. Patterson

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

P. J. Patterson (Percival James Patterson), 1935–, Jamaican political leader, prime minister of Jamaica (1992–2006). A lawyer, he became an active member of the People's National party (PNP) in the 1950s. From 1972 to 1980 Patterson held various ministerial posts, including minister of finance. In 1989 he became deputy prime minister under Michael Manley , and when Manley resigned in 1992 Patterson was appointed party leader and prime minister. He won an electoral victory the next year and was returned to power in 1997 and 2002. In a time of economic difficulties for Jamaica, he pursued privatization and other free-market reforms, but crime remained a persistent problem, and his tenure was marred by corruption allegations. He retired in 2006, and Portia Simpson-Miller succeeded him as prime minister.

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	DON J. PATTERSON.(LOCAL) Newspaper article from: The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA); 2/26/1996
	Elmer J. Patterson of Des Plaines for 40 years.(Obituaries)(Obituary) Newspaper article from: Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL); 2/24/2006
	JAMAICA: Percival James (P.J.) Patterson Newspaper article from: Caribbean Update; 5/1/1992