WESTERN BUREAU:

If Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller's popularity in St. James West Central could be translated into votes, the People's National Party (PNP) could well declare the constituency a safe seat in the upcoming general election.

According to the findings of a Gleaner-commissioned poll conducted by Bill Johnson on April 29 among 480 registered voters, Prime Minister Simpson Miller emerged with a 51 per cent favourability rating against 33 per cent for Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Bruce Golding.

"Portia is just Portia people love her because she is a strong black woman," says Dawn Spence, who describes herself as an ardent JLP supporter. "I don't have a problem with Portia. My problem is with the PNP."

Furthermore, 45 per cent of respondents approved of Simpson Miller's performance as Prime Minister, 34 per cent disapproved, and 21 per cent were unsure how to assess her.

Johnson's poll findings have a margin of error of plus or minus five per cent, meaning that the ratings received by persons or parties could increase or decrease by as much as five points in an actual election or contest.

In addition to her general popularity, the majority of respondents believe Simpson Miller would do a better job as Prime Minister

"Portia had to work with what she inherited. She could not just walk in and start changing policies that were already in place," argues Venneta Samuels, veteran PNP supporter. "You wait until she gets her own mandate and you will see the strength of this woman."

- A.F.