Two Jamaicans are among the nominees for this year’s Time 100 list of influential people in the world. Compiled annually by Time Magazine, the 2012 list of almost 200 leaders, artists, innovators, icons and heroes includes Jamaican Olympian Usain Bolt and the nation’s first, female, Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller.
“We’re honored that Jamaica’s highest office and one of the country’s beloved athletes are ranked on Time’s 2012 Poll list,” John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism said.
“We congratulate our Prime Minister for her leadership and applaud Bolt as he serves as a wonderful ambassador for his country.”
Although the two distinguished Caribbean names made the nomination list, individuals must vote for them by April 6 in order to ensure they will be among the final 100 to be lauded by the prestigious publication in the Time 100 issue.
Winners will be chosen by the editors and revealed on their official website on April 17.
Portia Simpson Miller is the island’s first female Prime Minister – her second time serving in the position.
She was inaugurated on Jan. 5, 2012, winning against Jamaica’s youngest Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Currently, her office focuses on bringing investment opportunities to the island and improving the lives of Jamaicans.
Bolt is the world record holder of the fastest time recorded for track and field in the 100 and 220 metres races.
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Bolt ran a record 9.69 in the 100-m, and in the 2009 World Games, he clocked in at 9.58 to record an improved time and another 100-m record.
To vote: www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,2107952,00.html, scroll down and click on their respective names to vote on their pages.
