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'Father Manley'- a political giant

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Dear Editor,

I earnestly believe that the first president of the People's National Party, National Hero, the RT Excellent Norman Washington Manley, should be remembered for his contribution of restructuring the consciousness of the Jamaican people in relation to our history and culture in modern Jamaica.

Moreover, this revolutionary and visionary political leader, who was born on the 4th July, 1893 at a property called Roxborough in Mandeville, Manchester, promoted predominantly the interest of the people, the politics, economics, social and cultural progress of Jamaica with much enthusiasm.

Subsequently, this brilliant advocate and pre-eminent lawyer entered Jamaica's political life in 1938, when there was an industrial riot in Frome, Westmoreland.

Without a doubt, this skilful negotiator and stalwart politician developed into a political genius whose numerous achievements in different areas have had a great impact on national development and the Jamaican people over the years.

The man with the plan, NW Manley had a mission to accomplish, and despite opposition, he struggled for self-government in a climate largely hostile to that idea. Shortly after he took up office in 1959, he wasted no time in seeking out franchise reform from the West India Royal Commission.

The skilful negotiator pleaded for Universal Adult Suffrage which is the right for Jamaicans to vote, and full Adult Suffrage was eventually granted from Britain, though reluctantly, in 1944.

Meanwhile, this true Jamaican patriot and egalitarian excelled in many other areas such as drafting the Independence Constitution, advocating for the Referendum of British Caribbean countries, introduction of Jamaica's welfare system. He also played a major role in the emerging Jamaican literary and artistic movement at the time.

Indeed, "Father Manley ", as he was affectionately called, was a political giant and statesman who contributed most significantly to national development in Jamaica.

Valentine Pearson

valenempearson@yahoo.com

'Father Manley'- a political giant

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