The Right Excellent Norman Washington Manley, M.M., Q.C.L., LLD (Hon.) Jamaica’s Only Premier

tcollins66
Jul 29
3 min read

Updated: Aug 14

1959-1962

Norman Washington Manley was born on July 4, 1893, in Roxborough, Manchester. He started his primary education at Guanaboa Vale Elementary School before moving on to Wolmer’s Boys’ High School, where he spent one year before transferring to Beckford and Smith’s in Spanish Town. He was later awarded an Open Scholarship to Jamaica College, where he showcased his athletic prowess. After graduating, he briefly pursued a career in Education, teaching at the Jamaica College and the Hope Farm School before venturing into Law.

Black and white image of Norman Manley in a light-colored suit standing outdoors, holding a hat with hands crossed at his waist, surrounded by trees. — Norman Washington Manley. *Credit: The Regardless: The Manley Centre*

Upon securing a Rhodes Scholarship, he read Law at Jesus College, Oxford; however, his studies were interrupted due to World War I. After entering the British Army in 1914 (JIS) and serving as a soldier, Norman Manley returned to his studies at Oxford in 1919 (NLJ), earning a First Class Honours. Two years later, he was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn, where he was awarded a Certificate of Honour in the Bar Finals and won the Lee Prizeman (Essay) Award (JIS).

Early Political Career and Rise to Leadership

Norman Manley continued his career as a lawyer after being admitted to the Jamaican Bar in 1922. However, with the economic and political turmoil of the 1930s as well as his involvement with Jamaica Welfare Limited, Mr. Manley’s interest in politics and public service started to grow. This interest in social and political reform eventually led to the establishment of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and later, the People’s National Party (PNP), which was launched at the Ward Theatre on September 18, 1938.

Norman Manley served as the President of the PNP for 31 years until his retirement in 1969. Although he lost the initial election under Universal Adult Suffrage in 1944, he won in 1955, thus becoming the Chief Minister. The year 1959 marked a significant milestone for the PNP, as it achieved its goal of self-governance. Jamaica now had responsibility for internal affairs with Norman Manley at the head as Jamaica’s first and only Premier.

Social and Economic Development Contributions

Under his administration, Norman Manley advocated for a greater emphasis on agriculture and education, which contributed greatly to Jamaica's socioeconomic development.

Norman Manley, dressed in a suit and tie, walks through a street surrounded by a crowd of women and children holding onto his arms. — Norman Washington Manley makes his way to the cathedral for Jamaica's Independence Day celebrations in 1962. *Credit: George Freston via The Guardian*

Political Advancements: Advocated for the establishment of Universal Adult Suffrage, which achieved full voting rights in 1944 and was a major step toward democratic governance. In 1954, he further reformed the constitution by transferring executive authority from the Colonial Governor to a Cabinet of Government Ministers (JIS: Jamaican Constitution).

Independence: Served as Chairman of the Joint Independence Constitution Committee, which drafted the Constitution and led the final negotiations with Britain for Jamaica’s independence, which was granted on August 6, 1962 (JIS: Jamaican Constitution).

Political Integrity and Democracy: Called for the 1961 Referendum on Jamaica’s membership in the West Indies Federation, demonstrating democratic principles.

Education Reforms: To expand access to public secondary education, the Common Entrance Exam was introduced under Mr. Manley’s administration. Additionally, institutions such as the Jamaica Institute of Technology and Caledonia Junior College were also established as a means of emphasising education as a pathway for national development.

Labour: Norman Manley legislated for Commonwealth Day to be replaced with Labour Day on June 15, 1960. To commemorate the 1938 worker strikes and the reforms made in the labour system, the Holiday (Public General Law) was amended to recognise May 23 as Labour Day (JIS - History of Labour Day).

Black and white image of Norman Washington Manley seated on a wicker chair on a porch, wearing a suit and tie, with a wooden railing and chair in the background. — Norman Washington Manley. *Credit: The Gleaner*

Other Noteworthy Achievements

Norman Manley significantly impacted the local and international spheres as a lawyer and politician. In 1932, he was made a King’s Counsel, and in 1946, he was conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Law by Howard University. For his contributions to social reform, he was voted a life member of the Congress of International Organisations by the United Transport Service Employees in Chicago. Mr. Manley was also made an honorary citizen of Kansas City, Missouri, in 1961.

Local honours include:

Receiving the Jamaica School of Agriculture Gold Medal for distinguished service to Jamaican agriculture in July 1969.
Conferred with Jamaica’s highest Honour, the Order of National Hero, after his death.

Furthermore, the Norman Manley Award of Excellence was established to annually recognise Jamaicans who have given distinguished service to their country. His birthplace in Roxborough was made a National Monument, and a Memorial was built at his grave site in the National Shrine at National Heroes Park.