His eloquence and ravishing good looks were two things which made Honourable Michael Manley one of the mostmemorable leaders of Jamaica.

Mr. Manley was defined as the quintessential charismatic leader who was able to connect with people on the ground.

He first became Prime Minister in 1972, when the People's National Party was victorious in the national elections. Under the party's reign, the Jamaica Movement for the Advancement of Literacy (JAMAL) was formed, free secondary education was introduced, adjustments were made to the Minimum Wage Law, there was mandatory recognition of labour unions, maternity leave for women were implemented, and the Children's Act was introduced which provided equal status to children born out of wedlock as those born to married parents.

Ever the trendsetter, the laid-back kareeba suit became synonymous with his style.

His father was former Premier Norman Manley and his mother, artist, Edna Manley. Michael Manley died at the age of 72, on March 6, 1997.

Source : National Library of Jamaica

Famous Quote :

"Equality is a myth without freedom," one of the four quotations engraved on his monument in National Heroes Park.

interesting facts about Michael Manley

He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force where he attained the rank of pilot officer, but the war ended before he got to fly. "He described it as the most frustrating moment of his life," said Louis Marriott from the Michael Manley Foundation.

One of his early jobs was as a sub-editor at the Public Opinion newspaper and later in 1952, he became the associate editor of the paper.

He was married five times.

He authored six books between 1973 and 1988, all on politics and development with the exception of one, The History of West Indian Cricket, on one of his favourite sports.

He turned jogging around the Mona Reservoir, one of his methods of exercise, into the pastime of many even today.

- Sacha Walters