Michael Manley: The Reformer

Michael Norman Manley was born on December 10, 1924 in St. Andrew, Jamaica.

He was the second son of internationally renowned lawyer, Rhodes Scholar and one of Jamaica’s National Heroes, the Rt. Excellent Norman Washington Manley and Edna Manley, nee Swithenbank, outstanding sculptor and patron of Jamaican arts.

Although Manley’s first love was journalism, he eventually became involved in trade unionism through his work with the National Worker’s Union (NWU) an affiliate of the People’s National Party (PNP). His activism and concern for the Jamaican worker soon led him to follow in his father’s footsteps to the helm of the People’s National Party and eventually Gordon House in 1972 and once again in 1989.

Manley made his mark by improving labour conditions, education and Jamaica’s international standing.

Manley was awarded the nation’s third highest order, the Order of Merit, on May 1992 for distinguished service in the field of international affairs.

Radio Feature: Michael Manley: His Life & Contribution

Read Michael Manley’s Biography Here

“If people are to acquire self-confidence and rediscover t

he cultural community to which they are heirs,

the mask of obscurity and shame must be ripped from the face of our African heritage.”

“Self-reliance refers to our capacity to accept responsibility for our own development…”

“The persistence of class stratification is unacceptable morally, divisive socially,

obstructionist economically and a source of tension which, if not removed, will inevitably provoke social instability.”