Unit V: Manley & Democratic Socialism in Jamaica (5/4)

Corresponding text found in p330-333 in Brief History of the Caribbean.

Split between Alexander Bustamante & Norman Manley in Jamaica led to creation of two political parties
  - Jamaican Labour Party (Bustamante)
  - People's National Party (Manley)

JLP controls Jamaican government between 1962-72
1969 - Norman Manley dies; son Michael assumes party leadership

Michael Manley

PNP gains support of lower classes as well as those of business and professional class disenchanted with results of JLP governments; high unemployment and inflation

1972 - PNP wins elections; Michael Manley becomes Prime Minister
Increases social welfare programs; cultivates friendship with Fidel Castro

Manley and Castro in Jamaica

Sept 1974 - PNP declares intention to reform Jamaica under 'democratic socialism'

What did 'democratic socialism mean for Michael Manley?

Manley interview from 1977 (Part 1 of 5)

Manley interview part 2 of 5

Part 3 of 5

Part 4 of 5

Part 5 of 5

Govt seizes control of large segments of economy; sets up agricultural cooperatives; nationalizes electricity, television, transportation, sugar factories, etc; purchased 51% of state bauxite mines from companies

1976 - PNP sweeps elections; JLP develops new tone under leadership of Edward Seaga

Edward Seaga

Parties now had clear bases of support; not just parties of personality
  - JLP - professionals and white-collar workers
  - PNP - unemployed and blue-collar workers

Blood & Fire -- Documentary on the political history of Jamaica

Despite rhetorical closer move towards socialism, economic hardships in 1977 force moderation; IMF

1980 - production down, inflation high, unemployment around 30%; extremely violent election period

Bob Marley attempts to bring 'One Love' back to his homeland of Jamaica during 1980 elections

JLP wins election; Seaga new PM