Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor
From left: David, Joseph, Natasha and Della Manley at the launch of the 'Manley Memoirs' at Jamaica House in St Andrew last Sunday.
And so, the long-awaited and much-encouraged Manley Memoirs is out, and not unlike her years as the late prime minister's wife, the book is quite controversial, serving as some say to stir memories some would have preferred to have left buried.
For many, socially and politically, the Manley years were no cake walk, as it was a time of heightened political activism which led to a sense of alienation by some, who then opted to emigrate to what was then considered greener and safer shores.
Sadly, many of those who did so, blamed and still blame the Manleys, both the late Michael Manley and Beverly, for their decision. Many of the elite of the time emigrated with vast fortunes that have been frittered away, and now live in basement flats in cold climes cursing their lot and still begrudging those who opted to stay.
Bitter souls
Beverley Anderson Manley signs a copy of her book for Karl Kirkland.
They have become bitter souls, still waiting to dance on the carcass of this great nation, in bittersweet 'I told you so' triumph.
On the other hand, the Manley years for others, speaks to a period of empowerment and social advancement that represents the very foundation for their contemporary existence. And so, for this grouping, those years are not viewed with any trepidation, but rather as a necessary catharsis, not only to purge the country of its colonial vestiges, but crucial in forging the new Jamaica.
Interestingly, the debate rages on, and in this respect, the history of the period is still being contextualised. What is being debated now is the personal biases of the affected parties and, hopefully this will lead to a time, when the debate will be centred on merit, as against a sense of enlightened entitlement and sense of betrayal. In this respect, Beverly Anderson Manley's book not only refocuses on an era in which the country underwent a political and social revolution, it provides a first-hand account of the period in question, without being cantankerous.
Well, following upon the much publicised serialisation of excerpts from the Manley Memoirs in the hallowed pages of this grand old institution, last Sunday, it was a supremely elegantly looking and confident Anderson Manley, who returned to Jamaica House for the official launch of the book. Luvs, to begin with, the affair was by invitation-only and to the letter. And so a critically hand-picked shortlist of friends, family members, admirers and a few critics, came out for what was truly a moment of historical significance and symbolism.
Trailblazer
Author Beverley Anderson Manley (right) greets Fae Ellington at the launch of the 'Manley Memoirs'. - Photos by Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer
Anderson Manley should be lauded for continuing to break the mould and role that others would assign her in breaking from the unspoken tradition that women, especially wives of public officials should be seen looking pretty, and not be heard, especially when out of office. In publishing her memoirs, she is once again proving to be a trailblazer for which she is admired the world over. So with the incomparable and oh so fabulous looking Leonie Forbes as compere, guests were treated to what was a morning of high culture as the songstress Della Manley opened the cultural segment with her marvellous composition - The Eagle Has Landed (And I heard it Scream), a poignant piece of social commentary inspired by regional events of the time (the United States invasion of Grenada); and Michael and Beverly Manley's friendship with her and her husband, Joseph Manley.
Then there was the author giving an overview of the memoirs, looking oh so resplendent as only she can, serene and pure sophistication; a far cry from the insecure young adult woman depicted in her memoirs! She made it clear that the book was her story, not a bit of sophistry done up to assuage petty egos, and so no approval or endorsement required! Talk about chutzpah! Amidst the sipping of mimosa, the requisite la-de-daa-ing, autograph session and people watching, it was the perfect morning, the skies a fabulous blue, reflecting the upbeat mood and spirits of those in attendance.
Among those out for the auspicious occasion, included Dr DK Duncan; Natasha and David Manley, who both flew in for the weekend for the book's launch; Joseph and Della Manley and their daughters Maya and Rhea; Sarah Manley and her children Rayne, Noah and Caleb; sister Lilieth Clarke-McKay and hubby Vincent McKay; Mitsy Seaga, looking as flawless as ever, her companion Dr Zia Mian by her side.
We saw MP Dean Peart and Vynnette Peart and their son; Jeanette Hutchinson; Marva Brodie and husband Ben Brodie; Angela Melhado; Rita Marley; Dr and Mrs Rae Davis; Marvin and Rosalie Goodman; Ruby Martin; Shirley Henry; Prof Dr Eddie Baugh and Sheila Baugh; Prof Dr Mervin Morris; Prof Carolyn Cooper; C. Lloyd Allen; Dr Glenda Simms; Barbara Blake-Hannah; Fae Ellington; Merrick Needham; Patsy Mair; Dr Henry Lowe; Betty Delfosse-Ingleton; Mickey Bennett and his daughter Kemala Bennett; Christene Fletcher Stiebel and her daughters Danielle and Chalanie; Sandra Shirley; Perry Stultz; Sandra Glasgow; Karlene Kirlew-Robertson; Yvonne Coke; R. Christene King; Marilyn Bennett and Mr and Mrs Luis Castroita.
Carole Brady; Dr Phyllis Green; Jean Lowrie-Chin; Carol Narcisse; Dr Dorith Grant Wisdom, who flew in from Virginia for the occasion; Prof Locksley Edmondson, who flew in Professor Obika Grey, University of Minnesota, Eau Claire; Minnie Phillips; Mr and Mrs Roderick Lewis; Faye Petgrave; SSP Rosemarie McDonald-Barker; Horace Reid; Audrey Budhai; Mr and Mrs Cedric Stephens; Mary Lynch; Richard Moss; Claudette Kinlocke; Stephen Steele; Mr and Mrs Alonzo Manning and their daughter Sheryl; plus a number of others.
