Jamaica’s Prime Minister, the Most Honorable Portia Simpson Miller, has been chosen by TIME magazine’s editors as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World.”  According to TIME, this coveted list recognizes the activism, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals and includes people who inspire, entertain, challenge and change the world. 
 
An annual list now in its 9th year, the TIME 100 selects a prized list of pioneers, moguls, leaders and icons. Prime Minister Simpson Miller’s inclusion is among other world leaders, including United States President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
 
“As a country we are proud that our Prime Minister is being recognized on such an influential list,” said Dr. Wykeham McNeill, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism and Entertainment. “As her vision for the country is being noticed, it’s crucial for all of us to do our part to ensure Jamaica continues to shine in the global marketplace.”
Mrs. Simpson Miller, who has been in politics for almost four decades, made history in 2006 by becoming the first woman to be elected Prime Minister of Jamaica. In 2011, she was re-elected to lead the country. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke from New York's 11th District, in her tribute to the Prime Minister in the magazine, salutes her as one who embodies strength and inspires a new generation of Caribbean women to get involved in public service and to make a difference.

According to Jamaica’s Director of Tourism John Lynch, the selection places Jamaica in an favorable light, which could lead to additional conversations with tourism investors.
“We’re hopeful that our Prime Minister’s visibility around the world will assist in drawing additional attention to the island,” said Lynch. “As the tourist industry continues to recover from a very challenging global economic environment, we’re proud that Mrs. Simpson Miller is recognized as a positive influence on notable platforms such as the TIME 100 list.”

A full list and related tributes will appear in the April 30 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Thursday, April 19, or online at time.com/time100.  
 
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2011. Also in 2011, Jamaica earned the WTA’s vote for the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, Caribbean’s Leading Destination and Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination for the fifth consecutive year. Additionally, the Historic Falmouth Cruise Port was recognized as the World's Leading Tourism Development Project while Ocho Rios was named the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Port and Sangster International Airport was voted the Caribbean’s Leading Airport. The destination also received recognition as the World's Leading Honeymoon Destination.
           
JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo. 
 
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com, or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitjamaica, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitjamaicanow or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/aboutjamaicajtb. 

Shelly Anglin Smith
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Tourism & Entertainment
64 Knutsford Boulevard
Kingston 5
Telephone: 920-4924, 9204926 – 30, Ext. 5929
Fax: 906-0198