Dear Editor,

After reading Garfield Higgins’ column in the Jamaica Observer on September 29 entitled ‘Golding’s chanelling Manley scary’, I had to pause and reflect.

The column focused on a lot of negatives from former Prime Minister Michael Manley’s era, ignoring the positives and the many challenges the country faced, especially with the rigid polices imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

While Higgins warned Jamaica to beware of Oppositon Leader Mark Golding, reminding readers of the massive debt, the violence, and economic problems under Manley, I must ask him: Isn’t Jamaica still experiencing these same things under the current Adminsitration of which he is an advisor? In fact, it is worse. Isn’t Higgins concerned? Jamaica cannot progress as a nation without confidence, trust, and integrity.

It wasn’t long ago that I read Manley’s book, The Politics of Change, written in 1974, the early part of his first term as prime minister of Jamaica. The book focused on political power and how it can be used to achieve change, it was interesting to dig deep into his mind and the principles he believed in.

The word ‘change’ can instil fear and shake the status quo to its core, even within corporations. Manley strived to create a just society based on equality and social justice, with equal opportunities for all. The misconception that he was trying to take away people’s wealth and/or replace capitalism with communism was a myth fuelled by many who feared his policies.

Manley was more concerned with the growing gap between the rich and poor as well as the lack of opportunities and growth post-Independence, largely due to economic problems arising from our long history of colonialism.

Let’s look at Manley’s impact. He introduced minimum wage, reduced voting age to 18, and ended the laws of illegitimacy to protect rights of children born out of wedlock.

He introduced maternity leave and equal pay for women. He initiated free meal programmes in schools and tuition-free education at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. He started the Jamaica Movement for the Advancement of Literacy (JAMAL) which continued for 30 years before it evolved.

Manley was the first politician to push the idea of Jamaica becoming a republic and in the mid 70s he established a constitutional reform commission. Imagine, 55 years later we are still deliberating! Manley also established the National Housing Trust (NHT) to help low- to middle-income earners to finance and own homes.

He expanded land reform and pushed legislation to protect workers’ rights and aid dispute resolution. He increased pension, improved day care and hospital facilities, and created options for youth training.

Manley encouraged self-reliance to produce more locally and he conceptualised the idea of volunteering on Labour Day.

Manley was also instrumental in shaping Jamaica’s foreign policy to partner and trade with countries based on our interests without undue influence or pressure from others. He was also instrumental in the fight against apartheid in South Africa.

And even if, according to Higgins, Manley “gutted” Jamaica, many of the social policies we enjoy and take for granted today were initiated by him, backed by legislation for longevity.

The idea of universal health care which Manley pushed is not uncommon across Europe, Asia, and parts of the Caribbean such as Cuba, The Bahamas, and Trinidad. These governments fund health care and education from taxes and special investments sustained over the long term. The idea is that an educated and healthy society is far more productive and beneficial to the economy.

Manley also stressed the importance of leisure in the development of any society, an idea which must’ve been inspired by his mother, Edna Manley, a prolific artist who socialised with intellectuals and other creatives. A relaxed mind is open to possibilities which can drive change.

Manley would’ve been 100 years in December 2024. Despite his shortfalls, his role as a civil rights leader who championed the rights of workers and the poor cannot be denied.

Let’s not pretend that Jamaica no longer has massive debt, violence, and social decay. Today, many Jamaicans still struggle to afford basic food, clothes, and shelter. Skilled and qualified Jamaicans continue to migrate in great numbers. Critical insitutions, such as hospitals and schools, remain underfunded. Corruption is now as dangerous as crime and will impede progress and development. And while politicians can afford to award themselves 200 per cent-plus pay increases, we must place greater focus on the welfare of the people of Jamaica to avoid risks of civil unrest.

It is interesting to note that democratic societies that place strong emphasis on social equality and justice, as Manley tried to do, tend to rank high on the global quality of life index, that is, best places in the world to live. This might be scary to Higgins, but it is food for thought.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com