PNP hails gov’t’s decision to honour Portia Simpson Miller with hospital naming

The People’s National Party (PNP) has welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness that the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital in Montego Bay, St James, will be named in honour of former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

Holness made the announcement this afternoon at a rededication ceremony for a Ministry of Labour building named in honour of Simpson Miller, Jamaica’s first female head of government and a former PNP president.

“It’s appropriate that it should be named in her honour,” Holness said.

The 220-bed specialist facility, now under construction on the Cornwall Regional Hospital compound, is expected to become the first hospital of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.

PNP President Mark Golding, speaking at the ceremony, said the hospital was deeply connected to Simpson Miller’s legacy of service and national development.

“The children’s hospital in St James, Montego Bay, was her brainchild, and she made the necessary interventions with the Chinese Government to secure financial support for the project,” Golding stated.

Golding noted that while the dedication of the Ministry of Labour building was an important recognition, Simpson Miller’s contribution to Jamaica warranted even broader national acknowledgement.

He described Simpson Miller as a transformational national leader whose contribution to Jamaica spans labour, tourism, social development, economic reform, and public infrastructure.

He also highlighted her historic role as Jamaica’s first female Prime Minister and the country’s first female president of the PNP.

PNP caretaker for St James Central, Janice Allen, also welcomed the announcement, noting that she has publicly advocated since 2022 for the hospital to bear Simpson Miller’s name.

“For years, I have publicly advocated for this hospital to bear the name of Portia Simpson Miller because I firmly believe history must properly record and recognise those whose leadership laid the foundation for national development,” Allen said.

Allen added that the people of western Jamaica understand the deep connection between Simpson Miller’s leadership and the establishment of the hospital, particularly through the partnerships and arrangements secured under her administration.

“This hospital represents far more than infrastructure. It represents improved healthcare delivery, hope for families, expanded opportunities for children, and a lasting investment in the future of western Jamaica and the nation,” Allen stated.

The PNP said the naming of the institution is an important act of national recognition and a tribute to a leader whose commitment to uplifting ordinary Jamaicans continues to leave a lasting impact across the country.

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