Michael Manley: The Making of a Leader

by Darrell E. Levi

Traces the life of the Jamaican journalist, labor activist, and politician, and looks at how he has used his terms as Prime Minister to work on behalf of the poor

349 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1990

Reviews

[James Ward]

This is an enjoyable read, and especially good on Manley’s early life. It was published in 1989, on the eve of Manley’s second continuous spell in office, and eight years before his death, so the picture it paints is by no means complete, and couldn’t be. In its defence, though, it does concentrate on the most important and interesting part of his life: his ‘democratic socialist’ years in office, 1972-80.
The author is very sympathetic to Manley, and Manley helped to facilitate his work. However, Levi is upfront about this from the start. “Manley has helped me enormously by facilitating interviews with himself, and others, furnishing his private correspondence for the crucial 70s and 80s, and giving me unrestricted access to the PNP’s files … Michael Manley is a powerful, charismatic man. I like him, I sympathise with him and wish him well” (p5).
The book does contain an extended examination of the Green Bay Massacre, and Manley’s contention in his private correspondence that the victims were “leaders of the largest and most vicious criminal gang in Jamaica”. So it doesn’t sidestep controversy where necessary.
This is an enjoyable and detailed account, and crucial reading for anyone interested in Jamaica during that volatile era.

[Andrea Binns]

As we get ready to vote on the 25th February I look at the leadership of both political parties what they have to offer