Norman Washington Manley was Jamaica 2nd Chief Minister and founder of “Jamaica Welfare Limited”
Business Man Rasta Steve and Fyah Lion at Bath St. Thomas Providing a service
The Man with the Plan, Mr. Norman Manley
As 2014 comes to a close and Jamaica’s 52nd Independence Anniversary passes by, many people continue to ask the question, is Jamaica any closer in becoming self sufficient as The Man with the Plan, Mr. Norman Manley one of Jamaica’s National Hero and Chief Minister Mr. Norman Washington Manley envisioned? Persons over the years have wondered out loud about what condition Jamaica would be in today if “The Man with the Plan” Mr. Norman Manley had won the election leading into Jamaica’s 1962 independence from Great Britain.
A farmer going through a river in Portland with a bundle of callaloo been self sufficient. – Ian Allen/Photographer
Self Sufficient
Mr. Manley whom was loved by the people in Jamaica and well respected by people across the Caribbean have always encouraged people to help themselves become more self sufficient. It was only a short time before Jamaica’s Independence during the late 1930s and before World War 2; Mr. Manley used the power of his office as Chief Minister to provide the farmers of Jamaica with land so that they could cultivate and become more self sufficient. As a result, my grandfather who was a farmer benefited form that program.Over the years, Jamaica has managed to build “Brand Jamaica” into an incredible brand. Brand Jamaica attracts people from across the globe. Tourists embarked on the shores of Jamaica daily to enjoy the beautiful island. But internally, the island is faced with numerous economical challenges. So, for many Jamaicans, life is fairly sunny while for others it has been partly cloudy. Yet the people’s spirit remains high and they remain optimistic, as they say, “Where there is life, there is hope.”
Farmer George Hinds in St Ann with his cows.
Mansion now Musium in Kingston
Jamaican scientist, Dr. Thomas Lecky
However, since independence, the accomplishments in Jamaica on the path in becoming more self sufficient has been limited. The progress in the areas of science and technology and manufacturing products has been slow. The island is doing well as service providers but needs to do more manufacturing and creating and keeping up with the vision of Mr. Norman Manley. In 1925 a Jamaican scientist by the name of Dr. Thomas Lecky (TP Lecky) studied in Canada and returned to Jamaica. Upon his return, he was faced with an issue with the cows on the island. There were problems with the milk and beef from the cows. Dr. Lecky took on the challenge and figured out how to improve the conditions in agricultural and farming.
By 1952, Dr. TP Lecky found the answer and celebrated his new breed of cattle which was said to be perfect for back yard farming. Since then, Jamaica achieved success in process food and other areas of farming and agriculture. Some question Jamaica’s dedication when it comes to the slow advancement in science and technology.
Thinking about “The Man with the Plan”, where would Jamaica be today.
The frequent questions that keeps coming up in conversations are, how near or far is Jamaica today from former Chief
Norman Washington Manley was Jamaica 2nd Chief Minister (name used before prime minister)
Minister Mr. Norman Washington Manley’s dream of been self sufficient? If Jamaican had elected The Man with the Plan, Mr. Norman Manley more than eighty years ago, what would progress looks like and feels like on the road to becoming self sufficient Jamaica. Unfortunately, the man for the people did not get the opportunity to present his plan to the people. However, The Man with the Plan, Mr. Norman Manley continued to support Jamaica and his memory lives on forever.