Manley, Norman Washington (1893–1969)

Jamaican centre-left politician, chief minister 1955–59 and prime minister 1959–62. With his cousin Alexander Bustamante, he dominated Jamaican politics until his death. Manley formed the democratic-socialist People's National Party (PNP), the country's first political party, in 1938. As chief minister, he helped create the Federation of the West Indies in 1958. After internal self-government was achieved in 1959, Manley embarked on a programme of economic development, promoting the tourist and bauxite industries, and land reform.

Following Jamaican independence in 1962, Manley was leader of the opposition. His son, Michael Manley, succeeded him as PNP leader on his retirement in 1969, and later became a prime minister.

Manley was of mixed Irish and African descent. He studied at Oxford University, returning to Jamaica to become a successful barrister and QC before entering politics. His negotiations with United Fruit and Standard Fruit Company won funds for Jamaica Welfare Ltd in 1937.