Manley, Michael (Norman) (1924–1997)

Jamaican trade unionist, centre-left politician, leader of the socialist People's National Party from 1969, and prime minister (1972–80 and 1989–92). A charismatic orator, he was the son of Norman Manley, founder of the socialist People's National Party (PNP), and became leader of the PNP on his father's death in 1969. After a landslide victory in 1972, his ‘democratic socialist’ programme was beset by economic depression, losing him the election in 1980. He was re-elected on a more moderate manifesto in 1989, but ill health forced his resignation as prime minister in March 1992 and retirement from politics. He was succeeded as premier by Percival Patterson.

As prime minister, he nationalized the country's bauxite mines and encouraged economic self-reliance. In his foreign policy he attacked ‘US imperialism’, entered into closer relations with communist Cuba, and founded the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in 1973. He also advocated political non-alignment and the creation of a new global economic order, benefiting less developed nations. The PNP were re-elected in 1976 but the pro-free-market Jamaican Labour Party (JLP), led by Edward Seaga, gained power in 1980. The more moderate centrist programme of his second premiership included support for economic deregulation and foreign inward investment.

Manley was born in Kingston. He served in the Royal Canadian Airforce, studied at the London School of Economics, and worked as a journalist, before returning to Jamaica to become a leader of the National Workers' Union during the 1950s. He was appointed to the Jamaican senate in 1962 and elected to its house of representatives in 1967.