Edward Seaga: My Life and Leadership (Volume I: Clash of Ideologie

My Life and Leadership - Volume 1: Clash of Ideologies 1930 - 1980 Edward Phillip George Seaga is one of the most outstanding Jamaican politicians - with a reputation for creativity controversy and courage. His autobiography offers a unique insight into the emergence of modern Jamaica a journey characterized by idealism and intrigue conflict and triumph. The young protg of legendary National Hero founder and leader of the Jamaica Labour Party Sir Alexander Bustamante Harvard graduate Edward Seaga was drawn to the roots of Jamaican folk society as a research student of the life of the poor in rural and inner-city communities. He rose dramatically through the political ranks to leadership of the JLP in 15 years leading the party for the next 30 years. As the youngest parliamentarian at the time he gave notice in his signature speech on the haves and have-nots that his mission was to pull up the poor without pulling down the rich - in a country with little wealth both capital and labour are mutually dependent for success. This was Bustamantes underlying pragmatic philosophy too. In describing his own political journey Seaga gives a fascinating and enlightening commentary on Jamaicas modern history in unprecedented detail. His story gathers momentum as the country is ravaged by the ideological differences between the JLP and the opposing Peoples National Party led by Michael Manley culminating in the violence and terror of the 1976 State of Emergency. Volume 1 concludes dramatically with the JLPs return to power - Edward Seaga elected as Prime Minister of Jamaica.