The government and people of Jamaica paused to observe the 100th anniversary of the birth of the country’s fourth Prime Minister Michael Norman Manley during a floral tribute held at the National Heroes’ Park in Kingston.

Manley, who served as prime minister for two terms, from 1972-1980 and 1989-1992, was not only recognised as a politician who made a seminal contribution to Jamaican, Caribbean and international politics, but also as a labour leader, author and intellectual. 

He died on March 6, 1997.

The centenary celebration, organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Culture saw several government leaders as well as the late prime minister’s family laying floral tributes at the shrine which marks his final resting place inside the National Heroes’ Park.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck delivered a message on behalf of the portfolio minister Olivia Grange. In her message, Grange highlighted Manley’s enduring vision of inclusion, where every Jamaican, regardless of background, could realise their full potential.

Minister Chuck, reading Minister Grange’s message, shared:

“Manley’s vision for a fairer and more just Jamaica must continue to guide us as we strive to build a nation that reflects the true potential of all its people. We honour not just the man, but the values he embodied—a commitment to justice, equality, and the belief that together, we can build a better world.”

The floral tributes were laid by Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, who represented   Prime Minister Andrew Holness; Opposition Leader Mark Golding; Mr Manley’s widow and son, Joseph Manley; Dr Angela Brown-Burke, chairman of the People’s National Party; Donovan Williams, Member of Parliament for Central Kingston;  Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby; Dr Dayton Campbell, general secretary of the People’s National Party; and Granville Valentine, general secretary of National Workers Union.

Recording artiste Della Manley, who performed at Mr Manley’s funeral in 1997, again paid tribute in song as the floral tributes were being laid.