Professor Rex Nettleford signs a copy of his latest book, Rex N, for former Gleaner reporter Dawn Johnson, now a resident of South Florida. The professor presented the second annual Michael Manley lecture organised by Jamaica Awareness Inc. in South Florida last weekend. - CONTRIBUTED
JAMAICANS IN South Florida were given a treat by Professor Rex Nettleford, vice chancellor emeritus of the University of the West Indies, last Friday evening.
Nettleford addressed The Gleaner-sponsored event attended by a large audience of community members about the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Michael Manley of Jamaica.
In a sometimes humorous presentation, he focused on the role that Manley played in building North South dialogue and his critical role in the formation of CARICOM.
MANLEY'S LEADERSHIP ROLE
He reviewed the important leadership role that Manley provided in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, and reminded the audience that Manley's legacy must be viewed within the framework of democratic socialism and the times he lived in, the era of the Cold War.
Admitting that Manley made errors domestically, there could be no question regarding his love and passion for his homeland. His sensibilities and yearning for a nation of social justice, equal rights for men and women and education for all were highlighted in the number of legislations passed to improve the quality of life of all Jamaicans.
A lively question-and-answer session followed.
The Annual Michael Manley Lecture Series was organised by Jamaica Awareness Inc. in association with the Jamaican Diaspora Foundation (South Florida).
