The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport will commemorate the 127th Anniversary of the birth of the Right Excellent Norman Washington Manley on Saturday, July 4, with a Floral Tribute in Kingston, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and a Civic Ceremony in Roxborough, Manchester beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Several national leaders are expected to be in attendance at the floral tribute, including: His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J, Governor-General; The Honourable Thomas Tavares-Finson, CD, QC, The President of the Senate, representing the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, MP, Prime Minister; Dr. Peter Phillips, MP Leader of the Opposition; and His Worship the Mayor, Senator Councillor Delroy Williams, Mayor of Kington. The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport will bring the Welcome and Opening Remarks.

The celebratory floral tribute will also feature a musical performance by the notable Jamaican songbird, Della Manley.

Meanwhile the Civic Ceremony in Roxborough will see both Mr. Peter Bunting, MP, Member of Parliament for Central Manchester and Mr. Michael Stewart, MP, Member of Parliament for South Manchester in attendance.

Norman Washington Manley was born in Roxborough, Manchester, on July 4, 1893. He was a brilliant scholar, athlete, lawyer and soldier in the First World War. He identified himself with the cause of the workers at the time of the 1938 Labour Riots and donated his time and advocacy to their plight. In September 1938, Manley founded the People’s National Party (PNP) and was elected its President annually until his retirement in 1969, 31 years later.