Michael Manley Foundation | Preserving the legacy of a visionary and transformative leader

A Life Of Service

The Most Honourable Michael Manley was one of the most outstanding political figures in the post-colonial history of the Caribbean. As a politician, labour leader, author and intellectual, Mr Manley made a seminal contribution to Jamaican, Caribbean and international politics.

People’s Champion

Michael Manley always remained in communication with the people, in good times and bad. Even when they were hurting from economic hardships in the late 1970s and were on the verge of voting his party out of office, the people knew that he was in their corner.

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Early Life

Michael Norman Manley was born at Nuttall Memorial Hospital in Cross Roads, St Andrew, Jamaica, on December 10, 1924, the son of very accomplished parents.

Recognition & Awards

Michael Manley received numerous national, regional and international honours and Awards.

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Trade Unionist

In the latter half of his career in politics, Michael Manley repeatedly said that the best years of his working life were those he spent in the trade-union movement.

Writer

Michael Manley’s first job after graduation from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) was as a broadcast journalist with the External Services of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

World Statesman

Michael Manley realised that the Jamaican society and economy could not be made significantly more prosperous, equitable and just without improvement in international political and economic structures that had a decisive impact on Jamaica and other developing countries.

Sports Connoisseur

After a dazzling career as a Jamaica College (JC) student in a wide range of sports, the elder (Norman) Manley turned to administration and adjudication, again across a broad spectrum of sports.

Lover of the Arts

Like so much else in his life, Michael Manley’s relationship with the arts and culture was in his DNA; i.e., it was largely acquired from his parents. His mother, Edna Manley, was an outstanding sculptor and a facilitator and patron of the visual and performing arts.