Dear Editor,

The revolutionary, visionary and respected political leader, Norman Washington Manley, who was born on the July 4, 1893, in Mandeville, Manchester, would have celebrated his 124th birthday today.

This brilliant lawyer and advocate of the people promoted predominantly the interests of Jamaicans; promoting the politics, economics, as well as social and cultural progress of Jamaica.

The late N W Manley, who was affectionately called “Father Manley”, first became actively involved in politics in the upheavals of 1938.

The People’s National Party, with Manley at the helm, was launched in September 1938 as industrial riots were ongoing at Frome in Westmoreland.

“Father Manley” became actively involved with a wide range of political activities which impacted greatly on the Jamaican people over the years.

For instance, he played a major role in drafting our Independence constitution, advocating for universal suffrage, political autonomy, referendum of British Caribbean countries, while he was responsible for the introduction of the Jamaican welfare system and, of course, he played a vital role in the emerging Jamaica literary and artistic movement, among other significant achievements at the time.

Indeed, the late Norman Washington Manley helped to transform the consciousness of the Jamaican people. That was the plan.

Valentine Pearson.

valenempearson@yahoo.com