Above: Jamaican PM Portia Simpson Miller and Bajan singer Rihanna

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Bajan-born singer Rihanna have been named to Time Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the world for 2012.

Simpson Miller, 66, was returned to power in Jamaica’s December national elections, unseating the Jamaica Labour Party and then-Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was born in Barbados and now lives in the United States. She has won five Grammy awards and been nominated 16 times.

“I can say from personal experience that her presence is already inspiring a new generation of women, particularly from the Caribbean diaspora, to get involved in public service and make a difference,” said Yvette Clarke, a Congresswoman for New York’s 11th District who profiled Simpson Miller for the magazine. “Sister P is a woman to watch.”

Clarke is the daughter of Jamaican immigrants.

Others named to the list include athletes, entertainers and politicians, from Barack Obama to Tim Tebow.