Norman Manley was born in the parish of Manchester and was a most outstanding and influential lawyer. He identified himself with the cause of workers during the Labour Rebellion in 1938. Along with his cousin Sir Alexander Bustamante, he was a consistent and influential advocate for Universal Adult Suffrage (the right to vote in Jamaica).
He founded the People's National Party (PNP) in 1938, and while Jamaica was a British colony, he was Chief Minister from 1955 to 1959 and Premier from 1959 to 1962. In 1961 Manley, as Premier, spearheaded Jamaica's transition to self-government. He was Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee that drafted the Constitution for independent Jamaica and led the team that negotiated the island's independence from Britain.
As a founding father of modern Jamaica he reconstructed social and economic policies, developed an extensive educational plan and established legislation, government bodies and
boards to develop Jamaica.
Famous Quote:
"l say that the mission of my generation was to win self-government for Jamaica. To win political power, which is the final power for the Black masses of my country from which I spring. I am proud to stand here today and say to you who fought that fight with me, say it with gladness and pride: Mission accomplished for my generation."
Manley was conferred with the Order of National Hero in 1969 for his role in self-government, Jamaican independence and contribution to the development of modern Jamaica.
