My Political Journey: Jamaica’s Sixth Prime Minister is P.J. Patterson’s account of his time as an active and successful participant in the political and social development of Jamaica and the Caribbean from the mid-1950s well into the early 2000s. He was widely regarded as a master political strategist and universally acknowledged as an astute negotiator. Jamaica is an enigma: its global impact belies its population and geographical size. This story of one of its most exceptional citizens is an enlightening revelation of the island’s political and cultural narrative. Patterson was born in 1935,the dawn of a new era in the development of Jamaica and the Caribbean. A previously disenfranchised population would gain a voice through universal adult suffrage and have a say in the direction of the nation’s affairs. Within a few decades, an independent nation would emerge to make a significant impact on the global landscape. Patterson is both a product of this new Jamaica and one of its architects, and his is a compelling and intimate account of a dramatic era for the young nation. P.J. Patterson led his country with distinction, implementing policies and programmes to foster social renewal and the development of a modern Jamaica that was prepared to face the challenges of the new millennium. Throughout his career in the People’s National Party, he gained international respect through the pivotal roles he played in the advancement of the causes of the developing countries of the world. My Political Journey recounts his performance at the national,regional and global levels and is a fascinating record of a nation’s postcolonial growth. PRAISE FOR MY POLITICAL JOURNEY "Were My Political Journey not memoirs obedient to modesty, an apt title might have been The Best of the Caribbean. For that is what P.J. has been and because of the values, the dreams, the efforts that guided that life, this candid account of them will influence generations of West Indians beyond the present to know that the best is attainable still." -- Sir Shridath "Sonny" Ramphal, Former Commonwealth Secretary General "P.J. Patterson's memoirs reveal a man of integrity, an outstanding organizer and strategist, and a true democrat, committed to promoting consensus. With decades of ministerial service and leadership among non-aligned countries and CARIFTA nations, Patterson is one of Jamaica's most experienced and skilled politicians. As prime minis- ter, he guided Jamaica through its worst economic crisis, while promoting some of our most significant infrastructural developments of modern times." -- The Honourable R. Danny Williams "This is more than an autobiography as it provides invaluable insights, information and, more importantly, the context of the issues that have consumed the attention of Caribbean leaders for the last fifty years. . . . Perhaps the most significant aspect of this memoir is P.J.'s keen sense of the changes that were occurring and the need for new strategies for successful governance and leadership in the age of globalization." -- The Most Honourable Sir Kenneth Hall, former Governor General of Jamaica "The volume covers the reflections and experiences of the Most Honourable P.J. Patter- son, as they pertain to the regional and international issues to which he devoted a very substantial part of his career. . . . It is no exaggeration to say that the depth and quality of his involvement with these issues are probably without precedent among the leadership in the CARICOM countries since political independence." -- Sir Alister McIntyre, former Vice Chancellor, the University of the West Indies "This book opens a window through which the reader can peer into the past to under- stand what agitated the author's passion to work with like-minded politicians and pro- gressive members of civil society and the public sector, to redress the inequalities that disfigured Jamaica, especially in the 1960s. . . . Above all, after reading this book, readers will understand why we are such a divided society perpetually at war, despite unification efforts; despite examples from history that unity is vital to bring about fundamental societal changes; despite a shared history of struggle for upliftment from slavery and colonialism and towards black empowerment." -- Professor Verene A. Shepherd, Professor of Social History, the University of the West Indies, Mona "A scintillating account of the growth and development of a Caribbean icon who has devoted his life to public service. In delightfully readable prose, P.J. Patterson describes a career watered initially by regionalism that flowed from the fledgling University College of the West Indies at Mona, matured in the hurly burly of national politics and coming to full bloom as a successful politician/prime minister who used his formidable talents for the benefit of his country and the region as a whole. This book is essential reading especially for those, wherever they may be