Dear Editor,

The Norman Washington Manley Foundation wishes to share our tribute to a man of excellence, Rex Nettleford.

Rex made a fundamental contribution when the Norman Washington Manley Foundation was being established — its objective being to recognise and honour the seminal contribution made by Mr Manley to the founding of the modern Jamaican state.

Rex’s inate sense of excellence propelled him from his humble beginnings to daunting heights in so many endeavours. His superb creative and intellectual energy, his overriding optimism and faith in the Jamaican people fuelled his muse. There are so many ways in which he can be described: the Complete Man, a Man for All Seasons, and a Renaissance Man. He was the Trade Union Teacher, the Dancer, Choreographer, Extra Mural organiser, the Cultural Icon, Author, Lecturer and Friend — just a few of his achievements.

In a nation that has not always had the benefit of maximum exposure to the achievements of its role models, his life should be studied and documented along with the lives of our heroes and our other historic, artistic and cultural heroes and heroines. Our emerging populations must be imbued with knowledge of the lives, the struggles and the achievements of these giants who have helped to shape our country from its prenatal experience from the late 20s to its birth in the early 60s. Nettleford’s work in trade union training and with the founding of the National Dance Theatre Company gave us a depth, an interpretation and that sense of “somebodisation” or “smaddyification”.

His example can lead us to resolve to marshal our individual and collective resources to become a nation of excellence. Rest in peace, Rex.

Norman Washington Manley Foundation

58 Paddington Terrace

Kingston 6