A bronze bust bearing the likeness of National Hero Norman Washington Manley, who has been hailed as father of the nation, was unveiled yesterday at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

Minister of Transport, Works and Housing Dr Omar Davies paid tribute to Manley for his role in the development of Jamaica's aviation policy, the establishment of the Bank of Jamaica, as well as the institutions that became the Social Development Commission, the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the University of Technology, and in the construction of the oil refinery and the National Stadium.

Norman Manley, an outstanding lawyer, was the founder and first president of the People's National Party (PNP). He died in 1969. The Palisadoes Airport was renamed after him in 1972.

The bronze bust was made in 1956 by Richmond Barthé, who was described by chief curator of the National Gallery of Jamaica Dr David Boxer as a major figure in African-American art in the 20th century, and who lived in Jamaica for 20 years.

Dr Boxer said the national hero’s widow Edna Manley, herself a major artist, described the bust as “her favourite sculpture of her beloved Norman”.

Several Cabinet members, officials of the PNP and members of the Manley family were in attendance.