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P. J. Patterson (Percival James Patterson), 1935–, Jamaican political leader, prime minister of Jamaica (1992–). A lawyer, he has been an active member of the long-ruling People's National party (PNP) since the 1950s. From 1972 to 1980 Patterson held various ministerial posts, including minister of finance. In 1989 he became deputy prime minister under Michael Manley, and when Manley resigned in 1992 Patterson was appointed party leader and prime minister. He won an electoral victory the next year and was returned to power in 1997 and 2002. In a time of economic difficulties for Jamaica, he has pursued privatization and other free-market reforms.
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