Lead Stories

Patrina Pink, Gleaner Intern

Although the mission of Norman Manley's generation - self-governance for Jamaica - has been a feature of the island's social and political system for almost half a century, Jamaicans continue to see it fit to honour that national hero's contribution to the development of an independent and democratic state.

Yesterday, People's National Party loyalists, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and school groups paid homage to Jamaica's first and last premier in a vibrant and cheerful birthday celebration and floral tribute at National Heroes Park .

The tribute commemorated the 117th anniversary of Manley's birth and featured wreathlaying by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen as well as Manley's granddaughter Sarah Manley. PNP Chairman Robert Pickersgill also paid tribute to the party's founder and was followed by party President Portia Simpson Miller.

Russians joined in

The Russian government also paid respects to the legacy of Manley with a floral tribute laid by Russian Ambassador to Jamaica Vladimir Sterligov. The former socialist state's presence spoke of one-time ideological ties as Russia's relationship with Jamaica flourished under the democratic socialism of Manley's son, Michael, in the 1970s.

There were musical tributes from Jamaican Regiment Band, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's festival of the performing arts in music gold winners, Pembroke Hall Primary School and Nomaddz, recent Kingston College graduates who are making a strong impression on the poetry/speech circuit.

Before descending the steps to the Manley monument where PNP officials would later sing the party song in tribute to their first comrade, Simpson Miller stressed the importance of remembering the nation's heroes.

"We need to pay more attention to those who paved the way for us as a nation. We owe it to ourselves to remember their contributions and ensure that the memories are kept alive so it constantly reminds us of the journey that got us to where we are, so that we will never return to where we have been," she said.

After the tribute, party and family members made their way to Drumblair, the former home of Manley and what he transformed into a party base and centre for political thought and discussion.

patrina.pink@gleanerjm.com