THE LONDON School of Economics (LSE) recently hosted a lecture examining the life and legacy of Michael Manley, Jamaica’s former Prime Minister and an LSE alumnus.
Held at the university’s International Inequalities Institute, the event brought together students, alumni, academics, dignitaries, members of the Jamaican diaspora, and members of Manley’s family to reflect on his enduring impact on global politics.
Chaired by Professor Andrés Velasco, Dean of the LSE School of Public Policy, the discussion featured two prominent speakers: Anthony Bogues, a scholar in Africana Studies from Brown University, and Francisco H. G. Ferreira, LSE’s Amartya Sen Professor of Inequality Studies.
Both speakers highlighted Manley’s transformative vision for tackling inequality and his influence on Caribbean and global political thought.
Manley’s path to leadership
Michael Manley, who served as Jamaica’s Prime Minister from 1972 to 1980 and again from 1989 to 1992, is remembered as a champion of social justice and economic equality.
Born in 1924 to Edna Swithenbank, a sculptor, and Norman Manley, a Jamaican National Hero and founder of the People’s National Party (PNP), Michael Manley followed in his father’s footsteps by entering politics.
Educated at LSE, where he studied under socialist thinker Harold Laski, Manley’s exposure to leftist ideologies shaped his commitment to addressing inequality. Upon returning to Jamaica, he worked with trade unions before becoming PNP leader in 1969.
As Prime Minister, he pursued democratic socialism, advocating for wealth redistribution, regional integration, and greater economic independence for Jamaica and the Caribbean.
A vision rooted in justice and independence
In his presentation Anthony Bogues underscored the three main pillars of Manley’s political philosophy: a commitment to democratic socialism, the influence of anti-colonial movements, and the need for economic independence in postcolonial societies.
Manley viewed political independence as insufficient without tackling systemic inequalities rooted in colonialism and slavery. His policies sought to empower Jamaicans by addressing disparities in education, opportunity, and political participation.
Francisco Ferreira echoed these themes, illustrating how the legacy of slavery continues to perpetuate inequalities in education, power, and opportunity across the Americas.
Using data, he highlighted parallels between Manley’s efforts in Jamaica and the challenges faced by Latin American leaders of the era. Ferreira noted that Manley’s battles with Western powers and local elites to address these issues inspired many leaders across the Global South.
Manley’s legacy
The lecture also explored whether Manley’s legacy holds relevance for contemporary Caribbean leaders.
During his tenure, Manley connected Jamaica with the Non-Aligned Movement, fostering relationships with socialist nations like Cuba and challenging U.S. dominance in the region. This stance led to significant tensions, including the withdrawal of U.S. aid and allegations of CIA interference in Jamaica’s political stability.
While Manley was re-elected in the late 1980s, the global rise of neoliberalism limited his ability to continue redistributive policies. He stepped down in 1992 due to ill health and passed away in 1997. His departure marked the end of a bold era of economic reforms aimed at addressing systemic inequalities in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
His relevance to today’s Caribbean
As the speakers reflected on the modern Caribbean, Bogues lamented the lack of leaders with a progressive vision akin to Manley’s.
While many policymakers support reparations and acknowledge the need to address colonial legacies, decades of neoliberal economic policies have left the region reliant on external powers and unable to challenge the status quo effectively.
Ferreira pointed to Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley as a contemporary leader who shares some of Manley’s ideals.
Mottley has pursued limited progressive policies and taken a more independent foreign policy stance than many of her regional counterparts. However, both speakers noted the constraints Mottley faces. Unlike Manley, who operated in a world with several left-leaning allies, Mottley is surrounded by neoliberal states closely aligned with U.S. interests.
Challenges ahead for the region
The lecture concluded with cautious optimism about the future. Ferreira highlighted growing awareness among younger generations in the Caribbean about the structural challenges the region faces, including climate change and the legacy of colonialism. This awareness, he argued, could inspire the emergence of new leaders with bold visions for the region’s future.
As the Caribbean grapples with external pressures and internal challenges, Manley’s legacy as a thinker and leader remains a powerful reminder of what is possible when political courage and a commitment to justice converge.
