Early Political Life
Patterson entered the Parliament of Jamaica and an Opposition Senator in 1969, appointed by Opposition Leader Norman Manley. He was elected the youngest ever Vice President of the People's National Party later that year at age 33.
When in 1969 his predecessor as Prime Minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley, launched his campaign for the Presidency of the PNP, he turned to P. J. Patterson, youngest of the highest-ranking segment of the party executive, to lead his campaign. This was the beginning of a partnership which endured over the next 23 years, and allowed for an exchange of political ideas and perspectives that proved beneficial to both.
Patterson was elected the Member of Parliament for Westmoreland South Eastern in the constituency's by-election of 1970. The constituency borders were reorganized prior to the general election of 1972 and he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern in that election, a seat he held until his retirement in 2006.
He was Campaign Manager for the People's National Party's bid for power in the General Elections of 1972, demonstrating skill as a political organizer that played a significant role in the party’s victory at the polls that year. This led to his first appointment to the Jamaican Cabinet. As his political career advanced, Patterson held diverse portfolio responsibilities in the Jamaican government for areas as varied as trade and industry, tourism, foreign affairs, finance and planning.
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