Jamaican leader seeking fourth term on promises to rebuild infrastructure, restore death penalty

By STEVENSON JACOBS,

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has promised to rebuild Jamaica's crumbling infrastructure and resume hangings to curb the Caribbean island's spiraling murder rate.

If his People's National Party triumphs in Wednesday's elections, he'll be the first Jamaican to win three consecutive terms in office.

Patterson, 68, began his career as a party organizer in the 1950s. He later earned a law degree at the London School of Economics, the alma mater of his mentor, former socialist Prime Minister Michael Manley.

Patterson won a seat in Jamaica's parliament in 1970, after stints as a lawyer and tour manager for a popular ska music band in the 1970s, The Skatalites.

After Manley retired in 1992, Patterson was appointed prime minister. He won the job outright in the 1993 elections, and again in 1997.

Supporters praise his non-confrontational style. Critics say he's too easygoing and soft on corruption. He once went on national radio to deny rumors that he was gay.

A free-trade advocate, Patterson has reduced government spending, controlled inflation and boosted international reserves, estimated at $1.7 billion.

Under Patterson, the economy has grown slightly, but has struggled to lure tourists to the country of 2.6 million amid violent crime and a downturn in travelers after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Questions about his health persist, most recently in September when he appeared overcome by heat exhaustion at a Kingston rally. Last November, he fainted while giving a speech.

During a televised debate with opposition leader Edward Seaga last week, Patterson reiterated his promise to retire as party president sometime during the next term.

"I don't consider myself a repository of wisdom," he said. "When the time comes, I'll step aside."