Allen made the call at a church service commemorating the 116th anniversary of the birth of Manley on Sunday at the Wesley Methodist Church in Porus, Manchester.

He stressed that although many might not achieve success in the areas Manley did, they could still contribute significantly to national development.

"He was a visionary and nation builder. He had a dream. He dreamt that Jamaica could break the shackles of colonialism and he dedicated his entire life to the fulfilment of that dream," the custos said.

"Let us emulate his love for country, let us share his concern for the poor and pattern his brand of good caring fatherhood. Let his life continue to inspire us, in all the virtues that will make us a good people," he added.

Mayor of Mandeville, Brenda Ramsay said Manley's mission was about self-governance and showing that Jamaicans were capable of being among the best in the world.

"His charge to us was for us to achieve economic independence. All of us must join together to achieve this goal. We must unite to make his vision a reality," she stated.

The Rev Michael Graham, superintendent leader of the Wesley Methodist Church, who delivered the sermon, noted that the areas Norman Manley excelled in were achieved through purposefulness.

"He has left us with many national institutions, things that are serving us even today, and will continue for a long time to come. Celebrate yes, but have a commitment to nation building," he said.

Manley was born on July 4, 1893, at Roxborough, Manchester, and died on September 2, 1969. The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission and the Manchester Parish Council will host a civic function in his honour at his birthplace on July 4, starting at 11 a.m.