In a message to mark the Jamaican leader's demitting office, the St. Kitts and Nevis leader said Patterson's departure from the "turbulence of partisan politics is a fitting culmination to over twenty years of distinguished service as a national and indeed, international statesman."

"Today, I pause to recognise and acclaim the indomitable legacy of Prime Minister Percival James Patterson," said Dr. Douglas in his message.

"The Right Honourable Percival James Patterson, Prime Minister Patterson, P J Patterson and affectionately and simply P J are all one and the same person, reflecting the dynamism of a man whose greatness is totally interpolated with genteel civility, humble sagacity and the common touch. This honourable son of Jamaica, humble servant of the constituency of Westmoreland, is recognized the world over as one of the faces of the Third World and a distinguished voice of the Caribbean," said Dr. Douglas.

He noted that P J Patterson holds the esteemed position of being the longest serving Prime Minister among the current leaders in the region, having served four terms and been elected three times in succession.

"This is no small feat in a nation that hitherfore stuck rigidly to the two terms per party tradition. This is the indelible legacy of Prime Minister Patterson and lends testimony to his vision, pragmatism and tenacity,"

said Dr. Douglas, who added: "P J Patterson is a man of action who spoke softly, but worked effectively. Beneath his quiet demeanor beat a heart with constructive proposals and ideas for the development of Jamaica. His eager perception joined with remarkable ability to construct visions with concrete deeds and accomplishments have been benchmarked of the true leaders of our time."

Prime Minister Douglas in paying tribute said that "P J brought these attributes to such esteemed forums as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Non-Aligned Movement, the African, Caribbean and Pacific

(ACP) Group and many others, where they have served him well and earned him the deserved reputation of negotiator par excellence."

Dr. Douglas continued that the mark of P J Patterson is also written indelibly on the history of the regional movement where he has been a major force for stabilisation, for progress, and for unity. He was one of the of the driving forces in the evolution of the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) into CARICOM and was one of the leading architects of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which recently birthed the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

"I cannot but agree with my friends and colleagues, Prime Minster Kenny Anthony when he stated that "no Caribbean leader since the founding fathers had presided over CARICOM with the sagacity of Percival Patterson." It is not often that one can say this of any person without an element of exaggeration. When we are speaking of the Right Honourable Prime Minster Percival James Patterson we can. Although these great men gone before us are the giants upon whose shoulders P J stood, today his legacy has added stature, dept and stability to their vision," said Dr. Douglas.

Prime Minister Douglas placed on record, his deep, sincere and abiding appreciation for all that Mr. Patterson has resolutely stood for, and all that he has unrelentingly fought for.

"Indeed, you were inspired by a most noble cause of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean to follow," concluded Dr. Douglas in his message on the demitting of office by the distinguished Jamaican leader.