Norman Manley Museum

 In his last public address to an annual conference of the PNP, Norman Manley declare:

"I say that the mission of my generation was to win self-government for Jamaica. To win political power which is the final power for the black masses of my country from which I spring. I am proud to stand here today and say to you who fought that fight with me, say it with gladness and pride: Mission accomplished for my generation."

Norman Manley

"Among the things I will always remember is Norman Manley's towering intellect, his passion for selfless service, his energy which was boundless, and his enduring stamina."

Norman Washington Manley was born to mixed-race parents in Roxborough in Jamaica's Manchester parish, on 4 July 1893. His father Thomas Albert Samuel Manley, the out-of-wedlock son of a former slave and an English merchant from Yorkshire, worked as an agricultural businessman; he sold Jamaican spices and fruit to the United States. Norman Manley's mother, Margaret Shearer, was the daughter of a mixed-race woman and her ethnic Irish husband, a pen-keeper.

Manley was a brilliant scholar, soldier and athlete, and studied law at Jesus College, Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He served in the Royal Field Artillery during World War I, and was awarded the Military Medal (M.M.).

After suffrage was approved in 1944, Manley had to wait ten years and two terms before his party was elected to office. He was a strong advocate of the Federation of the West Indies, established in 1958. 

Norman Manley Museum, Jamaica

 Manley founded the left-wing People's National Party, which later was tied to the Trade Union Congress and the National Workers Union.Manley served as the colony's Chief Minister from 1955 to 1959, and as Premier from 1959 to 1962. He was a proponent of the island's participation in the Federation of the West Indies but bowed to pressure to hold a referendum on the issue in 1961. Voters chose to have Jamaica withdraw from the union.

Boating at the Jamaica Yacht Club Kingston

Clipper 2014 in Port Antonio

The Jamaica Yacht Club was formed in 1884 by a group of enthusiastic sailors. On the 29th of November 1889, the Club was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria following a visit by Prince Edward, then the Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VII. Until 1962, when Jamaica became an independent nation within the Commonwealth, the Commodores were all Governors of Jamaica, whether or not they were yachtsmen. In 1963 the Commodore was chosen for the first time from the membership of the Club.

To establish, maintain, and conduct a yacht club and marina for the accommodation of the members of the Club and their friends, and generally to afford to them all the usual privileges, advantages, and accommodation of a Club.

                     Royal Jamaica Yacht Club  

 The Clubhouse has a bar and restaurant, with a beautiful view of Kingston and the Blue Mountains; is open for lunches and snacks seven days a week and depending on the occasion, breakfast and dinner are also available.

We accept credit cards, cheques and cash. The Club has its own private label credit card for use by members. Value added tax obtains to all purchases from the restaurant or bar. Our Quarterdeck accommodates 250 persons, and we cater for member's private parties. Casual apparel and beachwear are offered for sale by the Club.

There is a large swimming pool in close proximity to the restaurant and bar. Meals can be taken in the dining room, on the veranda, at the bar or poolside... or on board! 



The RJYC Club is 2 mins of the Norman Manley Intl. Airport.

Americas Diminishing Influence

Chinese and Jamaica Government Financing.

The new Rio Grange Bridge being Built in Port Antonio, Portland , Jamaica will be two lanes State of the art with side walks morphed into Board walks. Visitors Local residents will be able to comfortably View Bamboo Rafts with Tourists as they complete their Trip down the Rio Grande River into the sunset as they enter the Caribbean Sea and arrive at Rafters Rest.

 This Bridge replaces the one 108 year old one lane Bridge Called the St. Margaret s Bay Bridge, a major infrastructure improvement to this area of Jamaica. Creating the opportunity for Local and Foreign  investment. Existing adjoining Lands will be made available for new Shops and Stores to be constructed including new Gift Shops, Restaurants other indoor and outdoor entertainment and a rest stop. These businesses and the jobs that come with them would not have been earlier possible, giving new Economic energy to this community.

The Major difference, this Bridge is being Financed and Constructed by the Chinese Government and the government of Jamaica. Am sure the financing through Chinese Banks and its Government is as welcomed as was the many Projects over many years Financed by United States Aid Programs and the United States Development Programs. What this does points out though, is the growing influence of of the Chinese Government in the Western Hemisphere and the diminishing role of the United States and its influence in developing Countries.

This is not the only Project in Jamaica that is now being financed by the Chinese Government, others include the expansion of the Highway to the Norman Manley Airport, and the construction of arterial roads infrastructure adjoining communities and creating commerce. The financing provided by the Chinese Government comes at more favorable terms than those traditionally provided by the United States through their Aid and Loan Programs, with Chinese investors given the same Tax incentives given to American investors in Jamaica.

Rio Grande Bridge, Port Antonio, Portland

Jamaica like most developing Countries remains grateful to the United States for years of support through their Aid programs but, wonders how the Politicians in Washington is taking their eyes off the Ball and ignoring the spread of the Chinese Power. One of the Major concerns is that Law Makers who does not favor Foreign Aid Programs does not have a clue to what these Programs do in developing countries. Some members of Congress before they become Law Makers have never been to Washington DC. or traveled to a Foreign Country and see how America influence the world through Aid Programs.

In the future, individuals who run for congressional Office should be given a  Litmus Test that include, owning a Passport for at least five years, and have traveled to at least five foreign Countries and have a clear world view.Congress men should represent their districts needs but also know how the world works, or America's influence will continue to diminish.

Rio grande Bridge when complete

Michael Manley

Michael Manley

Michael Norman Manley ON OCC (December 10, 1924 – March 6, 1997) was the fourth Prime Minister of Jamaica (1972–1980, 1989–1992). Manley was a democratic socialist.

The second son of Jamaica's Premier Norman Washington Manley and Jamaican artist Edna Manley, Michael Manley was a charismatic figure who became the leader of the Jamaican People's National Party a few months before his father's death in 1969.

Manley defeated unpopular incumbent Prime Minister Hugh Shearer (his cousin) in the election of 1972 on the platform of "Better must come", "Giving power to the people" and leading "a government of truth".

Manley instituted a series of Social and Economic reforms that yielded mixed success. Though he was a biracial Jamaican from an elite family, Manley's successful Trade Union background helped him to maintain a close relationship with the country's poor, black majority, and he was a dynamic, popular leader. Unlike his father, who had a reputation for being formal and business like, the younger Manley moved easily among people of all strata and made Parliament accessible to the people by abolishing the requirement for men to wear Jackets and Ties to its sittings. In this regard he started a fashion revolution, often preferring the Kariba Suit which was a type of formal bush or Safari Jacket with trousers and worn without a shirt and tie popularly worn by African Leaders.