Two generations of the Manley family have provided political leadership in Jamaica. Of black and Irish descent, Norman Washington Manley, b. July 4, 1893, d. Sept. 2, 1969, was a widely known lawyer who founded (1938) the People's National party, based on principles of moderate socialism. He served as chief minister of Jamaica (1955-59) and prime minister (1959-62), working to create the administrative and financial underpinnings for Jamaican independence. When the country became independent in 1962, however, the premier was Sir Alexander Bustamante of the Labor party, a cousin.
In 1972 the People's National party returned to power under the leadership of Michael Norman Manley, b. Dec. 10, 1924. He adhered to his father's socialist principles and, in foreign affairs, fostered close ties with Cuba and other developing countries in the Caribbean and beyond. Major economic problems, compounded by Manley's difficulties in securing international aid, and increasing political polarization and violence contributed to his defeat in the 1980 elections. Manley's party won local elections in 1986, however, and he won national elections in February 1989, taking office once again as prime minister as Jamaica's voters rejected the unpopular austerity measures imposed during the 1980s. Manley resigned in March 1992 because of poor health.
