Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 16, 1992 TAG: 9203160029
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: KINGSTON, JAMAICA LENGTH: Short
Manley's leadership of the Caribbean's third-most-populous Manley country has been marked by controversy and policies that swung from left to right.
In his first stint in office, 1972-1980, Manley had upset U.S. policymakers and foreign investors by espousing socialism and embracing Communist Cuba. In his current term, which began in 1989, Manley undertook market-oriented reforms and austerity measures that have been increasingly unpopular.
But the 67-year-old Manley told a news conference there was no pressure to step down and that his decision to leave office March 28 was motivated by his declining health.
Manley has had five operations in recent years, including one for prostate cancer in 1990. After that operation, he spent weeks hospitalized due to pneumonia.
It had been widely acknowledged that Manley's health would keep him from leading his party into the next general election, due in early 1994.
His successor is to be picked on the day of his resignation by an assembly of his People's National Party.
- Associated Press
by CNB