In a very friendly atmosphere with a markedly religious theme, on the lawns of King's House, the official residence of Jamaica's Governor General, Jamaica's new Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller took the oath of office at 4:23 p.m. on Thursday.

In her inaugural address, witnessed by over some ten thousand guests, including visitors from the United States, Canada, Cuba, the CARICOM nations, and former Prime Ministers PJ Patterson and Edward Seaga, Prime Minister Simpson Miller called on Jamaicans to come together in unity, despite political differences to work for one goal - the betterment of Jamaica and Jamaicans in the nation and in the Diaspora. She called for a "nation of brothers and sisters, not one of rivals and victims."

She said, as her administration strives to build a prosperous and united Jamaica, Jamaicans in the Diaspora will be given the opportunity to participate in the nation's development and be respected in the same manner as Jamaicans are at home.

Seated on the dais as the PM spoke, were outgoing Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Mrs. Allen, and Errald Miller, the prime minister's husband.

In her speech, Mrs. Simpson Miller said it is time for Jamaica to "build a gentler, more respectful nation, one marked by mutual respect and trustworthiness." She promised that her government will function with utmost transparency and said her administration will take responsibility for the society while emphasizing respect for every citizen.

She acknowledged that her government is taking power at a very serious time; a time when the nation has huge debts and high poverty, but she is committed to balancing the country's (financial) books, while balancing the lives of the people, and striving to improve their standard of living.

Mrs Simpson-Miller says the PNP's election to govern is a "call to action," and it's imperative that the government earns the trust of the people.

She stressed the importance of her government working with the private sector in providing economic development and jobs, and with international organizations including the International Monetary Fund to seek the basis of a new agreement. She assured the youth that her administration will be working hard to provide them with opportunities. She emphasized that the new government will be implementing the mass-employment program, the Jamaican Emergency Employment Program (JEEP).

Referring to the 50th anniversary of Jamaica's independence, the prime minister said it is time to "complete the circle of independence" and break from the British monarchy and for Jamaica to become a Republic with its own president. She commented that the British monarch, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II is a "warm and wonderful lady......but the time has come" to break away.

Simpson Miller is assuming her second term as Jamaica's prime minister, having held the position as the first and only female prime minister from 2006 to 2007. In her address she seemed extremely confident and assertive to guide Jamaica through the difficult days ahead.

At the end of her address, highlighting her message of inclusion and unity, she embraced and kissed the Opposition Leader, Andrew Holness, his wife, and almost everyone standing on the stage.