1962 News
Significant events related
to independence 1962 as reported in the news
Source: The Daily Gleaner
January 9-
Mr. Albert Gomes an independent member in the Federal House of
Representatives in Trinidad asked the House to adopt a resolution preventing
Jamaica’s secession from the West Indies Federation.
January
9- The Constitution Committee
which is finalizing the proposed Constitution for Independent Jamaica
conduct its final meeting on this day.
January
12- Dr. Eric Williams Premier for
Trinidad announced in his House of Representative that the British
Government as set March 31, 1962 as the date for the legislation that will
approve the secession of Jamaica from the West Indies Federation. He also
told his House of Representatives that if the British Government approved
Jamaica’s secession, then the Federation is dead.
January
12- The Premier of Jamaica Hon.
Norman Manley announced that the equivalent of a million tons of marble
deposits was found in the Blue Mountains in north western St. Thomas, during
last year (1961). He said it was discovered by the late Professor V.A.
Zans, Director of Geological Surveys, and Mr. B.V. Bailey of the same
department.
January
14- Mr. Reginald Maulding British
Colonial Secretary flew into Trinidad to revive the Federation, but he told
a press conference he didn’t arrive with a plan.
January
17- Proposals for a Constitution
for Jamaica in Independence were laid before the House of Representatives.
January
18- The Colonial Office announced
that the Constitutional Conference on Jamaica will open Thursday February 1,
1962 at Lancaster House London.
January
23- The House of Representatives
began to debate Jamaica’s Independence Constitution.
January
25- The House of Representatives
sanctioned the draft constitution for Jamaica in Independence.
January
28- The Premier, Hon. Norman
Manley, in a radio broadcast hinted that Independence Day may be August 1,
1962.
January
31- A joint Jamaican Parliamentary
delegation led by Mr. Norman Manley the Premier, conferred together on this
day to prepare the constitutional proposals they will put before Mr.
Reginald Maulding, the British Colonial Secretary for the Constitutional
Conference to be held on February 1, 1962 at Lancaster House in London.
The Parliamentary delegation met at the conference room of the West India
Committee in Norfolk Street London.
Those who attended the conference were:
·
Hon. Norman Manley – Premiere
·
Hon. Dr. Ivan Lloyd
·
Hon. Vernon Arnett
·
Hon. Florizel Glasspole
·
Mr. Donald Sangster- Deputy
Leader of the Opposition (JLP)
·
Mr. Robert Lightbourne
·
Mr. Clem Tavares
·
Mr. A.E.T Henry- Government
Public Relations Officer
·
Hon. J. Leslie Cundall-
Attorney General
·
Mr. G Arthur Brown- Director of
the Central Planning Unit
·
Hon. Egerton Richardson –
Financial Secretary
·
Mr. Vincent McFarlane-
Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office
January 31-
The Hon. Norman Manley Premier and Sir
Alexander Bustamante Leader of Opposition were both requested in cable, by a
citizens group to settle only the date for Independence for Jamaica.
February 1-
Some 1000 workers employed on the
construction of the National Stadium returned to their jobs ending the 10
day deadlock which tied up building operations at the stadium.
National Stadium was being built to host the 9th Central American
and Caribbean Games and the Independence Celebrations.
February 1-
Sir Alexander Bustamante Leader of Opposition
leaves the island at 2:15pm to join the Jamaican Parliamentary Delegation at
the Independence Conference in London. Sir Alexander was accompanied
by his private secretary Miss. Gladys Longbridge (who later became his
wife).
February 1-
Independence talks opened at Lancaster House in London when Jamaica’s
delegation met with the United Kingdom delegation and legal experts. Members
of the People’s Political Party (PPP) demonstrated outside Lancaster House
where the conference on Jamaica’s Constitution was being held. Members
of the PPP demonstrated because they were not invited to the conference.
February 1-
In an interview with a correspondent of the BBC, Mr. Norman Manley was asked
if he thought the Jamaican emigration to Britain would continue, Mr. Manley
replied “god help Jamaica if it doesn’t”.
February 2-
The Legal drafting Committee made good progress as its members pondered a
number of complex points in the proposed constitution for an Independent
Jamaica.
February 2-
Sir Alexander Bustamante Jamaica’s Leader of Opposition upon arrival in
London for the Constitutional Conference made it clear to reporters that he
will be firm at the conference “I shall be very calm at the conferences
but equally firm in fighting for the things that should place in the
constitution, such as matters of citizenship, proper identification for
voters and so on.”
February 2-
West Indian students in London abused Mr. Norman Manley when he went to the
West Indian Students Centre at Collingham Gardens in London. Mr.
Manley went there to speak about Jamaica’s forthcoming Independence to
Jamaican students. He faced representatives from every island in the
Caribbean. Mr. Manley later said he was not perturbed by the noisy
heckling by the students.
February 3-
Both the Jamaican Government and the Opposition met to tackle outstanding
differences and complete strategy plans. Meanwhile Sir Alexander
indicated to reporters that he was confident of complete agreement and that
the Constitutional Conference might end earlier than planned. He said
it could end by Thursday February 8, 1962.
February 4-
Hon. Norman Manley told a crowd of nearly 1000 at the Lambeth Town Hall in
London that when Jamaica attains Independence it may get a new form of
currency called something other than the Pound.
February 5-
Premier Norman Manley made a thirty minute address to thirty members of the
British Parliament on Britain’s Migration Bill and its possible impact on
Jamaica’s economic progress and planning.
February 5-
Hon. Norman Manley and Sir Alexander Bustamante have agreed upon a date for
Independence, but both would not divulge it.
February 5-
Firms join to complete the National Stadium. C.J. Fox Construction
Company joined with A.D. Scott Limited in order to complete work on the
National Stadium in time for the Independence Celebrations.
February 5-
A Jamaican Government mission arrived on a three-week visit to Nigeria to
study the possibilities of establishing closer cultural and trade relations
with African countries. The mission consists of: Mr.R.A.
Foreman, Commissioner of Lands, Mr. W.T. Miller, Trade Administrator, Mr.
l.O. Mills, Senior Economist in the Central Planning Unit and Mr. Rex
Nettleford, Staff Tutor of the Extra-Mural Department of the University
College of West Indies. The mission will visit the three regions
of Nigeria before leaving for Ghana on the second stage of the tour.
February 5-
A strong plea for continuation of the West India Farm Labour Scheme after
Jamaica’s Independence was made, by the Hon. Jonathan Grant Minister of
Labour, to delegates at the 18th Annual meeting of the Regional
Labour Board.
February 6-
It was announced in the House of Commons by Mr. Reginald Maulding British
Colonial Secretary that Jamaica has formally secession from the Federation
of the West Indies.
February 6
– Sir Alexander Bustamante sent his regards to Prime Minister of Britain
Hon. Harold MacMillan that he would not be able to attend the Prime
Minister’s luncheon set for Friday February 9, 1962.
Sir. Alexander upon receiving the
written invitation which stated that the luncheon was in honour of the
Premier of Jamaica Mr. Manley, wrote to Mr. Macmillan “I was not in
London to attend functions in honour of Mr. Manley, If we are all invited to
a ceremony or a function, that is all right, or to attend a function in
honour of Jamaica, but not to honour any one man.”
February 6-
Premier Norman Manley and Mrs. Manley received a lunch invitation from Her
Royal Highness Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon on Wednesday 7th
of February 1962.
February 6-
Sub-committee studies the fate and future of some twenty expatriate officers
serving in Jamaica. Also the committee will look at Jamaicans serving
in the Colonial service such as Federal Government.
February 7-
The declaration of Jamaica’s Independence Day has been put off by one day.
An upset Mr. Norman Manley and Sir Alexander Bustamante urged the British
Government to keep their word and not put off the date for Jamaica’s
Independence.
February 8-
A new committee appointed in order to have the final decision clearly
recorded. Mr. Vernon Arnett, Mr. Donald Sangster and a Colonial Office
lawyer were chosen to prepare the report to be signed on Friday February 9,
1962 at the final planning session.
February 8-
At 11am a telephone message was received at the conference at
Lancaster House stating that the United Kingdom Cabinet had agreed to the
Jamaican stipulation as to the date for Jamaican Independence August 6,
1962.
February 8-
The United Kingdom plans to honour obligations for ex-servicemen even after
Independence.
February 9-
Independence Agreement signed. The Jamaican Delegation and the United
Kingdom signed an agreement which will make Jamaica an Independent Nation as
from August 6, 1962.
February 9-
Mr. Harold MacMillan British Prime Minister entertained Mr. Norman Manley
Premier and Sir Alexander Bustamante Labour Opposition Leader at a luncheon
held at Admiralty House. They were both accompanied by Mr. Vernon Arnett,
Jamaica’s Finance Minister and Mr. Donald Sangster Deputy Opposition Leader.
February 10-
Mr. Norman Manley, Premier of Jamaica, announced in London that Jamaica’s
General Election to choose its first Government under Independence will be
held on Tuesday, April 10, 1962. Sir Alexander Bustamante received the
news in New York while he and members of his party were on their way to
Jamaica.
February 11-
Both Mr. Norman Manley Premier and Sir Alexander Bustamante, Leader of the
Opposition arrived hours apart at the Montego Bay International Airport in
St. James. They were greeted by their respective party supporters.
February 13-
Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Osmond Royes announced that March 19, 1962 is
Nomination Day. The General Election has been fixed for April 10.
February 14-
Word came that on attaining Independence Jamaica will cease to be a member
of the West Indies Netball Association. The International Federation
of Women’s Basketball and Netball Associations recognizes one association
from one country, so the West Indies body would be unable to act for Jamaica
after August 6.
February 22-
The Premier Hon. Michael Manley and the United States Consul General Mr.
Robert McGregor signed an agreement which will allow volunteers to come to
Jamaica under the auspices of the United States Peace Corps.
February 22-
Mr. Theodore Sealy, editor of The Daily Gleaner has been appointed Chairman
of the Committee which will prepare a programme for celebration of Jamaica’s
Independence. The appointment was made by Premier the Hon. Norman
Manley with full concurrence of the Leader of the opposition Sir Alexander
Bustamante.
February 24-
Construction work on the National Stadium stopped, work suspended by the
contractors following an arbitration award to have the workers be paid by
the height they have to carry out their work. The payment would be
retroactive to November 1, 1961.
February 25-
Mr. Herbert McDonald Chairman of National Sports Limited announced that C.J.
Fox and Company Limited contractors of the National Stadium the venue to
host the Independence Celebrations and the 9th Central
America and Caribbean Games have requested the permission to withdraw has
principal contractors.
February 27-
The House of representatives agreed that the British Government be requested
to seek membership of the Commonwealth for Jamaica as from the date of its
Independence, August 6, 1962.
February 28-
The House of Representatives witness uproar over election symbols, when
Leader of the House (Government Business) Hon. Florizel Glasspole said that
the Government will not permit the use of the symbols, Tree and Bell in the
general election.
February 28-
Sir Alexander Bustamante Leader of the Opposition who was not in the House
of Representatives when the announcement was made that the Government will
not permit the use of the Tree and Bell as symbols for election, said “If
not a bell why not a conch shell or a cow horn?, Bell or no bell we will win
the election.”
March 5-
Col. E. A.Hefford consultant to Jamaica’s Independence Day Celebrations
Committee arrived in the island, he is expected to stay until the end of
August.
March 5-
Sir Hugh Foot, British representative on United Nation Assembly Special
Committee of 17, set up to hurry freedom for dependent territories said he
hoped that Jamaica would be independent and admitted as a member of the
United Nations before the year ends.
March 5-
Sir Grantley Adams Prime Minister of the West Indies Federation accused the
British Government of bad faith or duplicity in connection with its proposal
to dissolve the West Indies Federation, this following a meeting in London.
March 8-
The Colonial Secretary Mr. Reginald Maulding told the West Indies Federal
delegation led by Sir Grantley Adams that he will not go back on promise
made to Jamaica to secede from the West Indies Federation.
March 8-
Mr. Dudley Thompson appointed a Queen’s Counsel for Jamaica.
March 9-
New Jamaica 10/ (Shillings) note to be issued by the Bank of Jamaica. It’s
similar in character to the Bank of Jamaica 1 Pound and 5/ (Shillings) note.
March 13-
Jamaica Independence Celebrations Committee formed in New York to organized
celebration activities there.
March 18-
18 persons appointed to the Independence Celebrations Committee under the
chairmanship of Mr. Theodore Sealy C.B.E Editor of the Daily Gleaner.
March 19-
112 Candidates nominated for the 45 seats in the House of Representatives
for April 10, 1962 general election.
March 27-
A resolution seeking a further interest free loan of 560,000 Pounds for the
construction of the National Stadium was passed by the House of
Representatives.
April 2-
A Bill providing for dissolution of the West Indies Federation on the
secession of Jamaica and Trinidad was passed unopposed by the House of
Commons in London.
April
3- Premier Hon. Norman Manley
announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret has graciously consented
to represent Her Majesty the queen at Jamaica’s Independence Celebrations in
August.
April 3-
Chairman of the Independence Celebrations Committee Mr. Theodore Sealy
announced that Jamaica’s motto will be Out of Many One People.
April 5-
Soldiers and members of the Regular and Special Constabulary Forces go to
the polls in order to be free for duty on General Election Day April 10,
1962.
April 10-
795,000 eligible to cast Ballots in General Election. The Jamaica
Labour Party won 26 constituencies to the People’s National Party’s 19.
Sir. Alexander Bustamante and the Jamaica
Labour Party will form the country’s first Government in Independence with
Sir Alexander slated to become the island’s first Prime Minister.
April 11-
Sir Alexander Bustamante announced that the April 10, 1962 election results
would not change the arrangements for the Celebrations of Jamaica’s
Independence.
April 12-
Governor General of the West Indies Lord Hailes announced that Jamaicans
serving in the West India Regiment would not be restricted entry into the
proposed defence force for Jamaica on or before dissolution of the West
Indies Federation.
April 24-
Sir Alexander Bustamante leader of the Jamaica Labour Party was sworn in as
Premier of Jamaica. Also the new Cabinet of 14 members took the Oath
of Office.
May 1- Mr. Theodore Sealy Chairman of the Independence Celebrations Committee
announced that Government approved the proposals submitted for the
celebrations the Government also approved the expenditure of about 350,000
pounds.
May 1- The Hon. Donald Sangster, Minister of Finance, has been designated by
the Premier the Hon. Sir Alexander Bustamante Chairman in charge of policy
and programme for Independence Celebrations in succession to the former
Premier Mr. Norman Manley. The Hon. Donald Sangster also took over as
Chairman of the Constitution Committee of the Legislature.
May 8- Jamaica’s new Parliament that will take the country through the next
three months into independence on August 6 1962 and beyond opened in the
Legislative Chamber of Gordon House by the Governor General, Sir Kenneth
Blackburne.
May 8- The Hon. Tacius Golding (father of former Prime Minister of Jamaica
Hon. Bruce Golding) was elected unopposed as Speaker of the House and the
Hon. Clifford Campbell elected unopposed as President of the Legislative
Council.
May 9- Mr. Eric George Irons, a 40 year old organizer for Nothingham Education
Committee in England, was appointed the city first coloured magistrate.
May 11- Members of the House of Representatives and representatives of all the
Parish Councils met with officials of the Independence Celebrations
Committee to discuss the Independence Celebrations in August for each
parish.
May 14-
A Jamaica Independence Celebrations Committee was formed in Colon, Panama by
Rev. Sylvanus Scarlett, pastor of the First Isthmian Baptist Church.
The group comprises of Jamaicans and those of Jamaican parentage.
May 23- A bill providing for the independence of Jamaica on August 6, 1962 was
presented in the British Parliament. This would give legal effect to
the decisions taken at the constitutional talks held in London.
May 26- The Premier of Jamaica the Hon. Sir Alexander Bustamante, called for a
clean-up and paint-up campaign throughout Jamaica in connection with
Independence celebrations.
May 30- Jamaica admitted as an associate member of the World Health
Organisation WHO.
May 31- The House of Commons (London) gave an unopposed second reading to a
Bill granting Jamaica independence.
June 6- Joint Parliamentary Committee agree on colours, design and meaning of
the Jamaican Flag. The recommendations were taken to the House of
Representatives for approval.
June 8- The Independence Celebrations Committee issued the official outline
programme for the celebrations from August 3-10.
June 16-
The former Minister of Labour in the People’s National Party’s
administration Mr. Johnathan Grant died at the age 48.
June 20-
The Colonial Office announced that Sir Kenneth Blackburne, Captain General
and Governor in Chief of Jamaica since 1957 is to be Jamaica’s first
Governor General, this was based on a request from Jamaican Premier Sir
Alexander Bustamante to Mr. Reginald Maulding the Colonial Secretary.
June 20-
The House of Representatives unanimously approved a new design of the
Jamaican National Flag, this following the first design which resembled that
of the Tanganyika (now known as Tanzania) National Flag.
June 21-
Members of the House of Representatives failed to agree on the proposed
National Anthem of Jamaica.
June 27-
Sir Alexander Bustamante Premier of Jamaica met with President of the United
States of America John Kennedy at the White House.
June 27-
The House of Representatives at an informal private meeting at Gordon House
selected a National Anthem for Jamaica composed by Bandmaster Edward Wade of
the West India Regiment. Formal approval of this selection had to be
moved at the next sitting of the House of Representatives.
June 29-
The House of Commons passed the Jamaican Independence Bill, now it awaits
approval from the House of Lords and receive formal Royal assent to come
into effect.
June 29-
Assurance was given that Independence Celebrations set for Montego Bay St.
James was in high gear. That was the word from the Parish Celebration
Committee.
June 30-
Premier Sir Alexander Bustamante arrived in London requesting from the
British Government finance and defense assistance. He was accompanied
by Donald Sangster Minister of Finance and Hon. Robert Lightbourne Minister
of Trade and Industry.
July 1- Hon. Edward Seaga, Minister of Development and Welfare announced that
an Arts Celebration Committee was set up. The committee would be
responsible for the Independence Village and the artistic look of the
Independence Celebrations. The members include Chairman, Mr. Robert
Verity, Deputy Director of the Institute of Jamaica, Deputy Chairman Mr.
A.L. Hendricks, chairman of the Arts Advisory Council and Coordinating
Officer/Secretary Mr. Wycliffe Bennett.
July 2- Premier Sir Alexander Bustamante began aid talks in London with the
British Government.
July 2- After 307 years the Union Jack was lowered at Up Park Camp for the
last time making the disbandment of the British Military Headquarters in the
island.
July 3- Jamaica’s 10 year development plan was submitted at a ministerial
meeting between the Jamaican delegation led by Sir Alexander Bustamante and
Mr. Reginald Maulding, the Colonial Secretary.
July 3- Minister of Development and Welfare, the Hon. Edward Seaga, asked
members of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce to volunteer space in Press
advertisement to help promote the concept of Independence throughout
Jamaica.
July 4- Mr. Norman Manley celebrated his 69th birthday.
July 5- Sir Alexander Bustamante Prime Minister of Jamaica and Dr. Eric
Williams Prime Minister of Trinidad had Government talks in London with
Edward Heath Deputy Foreign Secretary on Common Market negotiations.
July 5- It was announced that all babies born on August 6, 1962, that is
between midnight of August 5, 1962 and midnight of Monday August 6, 1962
will receive a silver independence spoon from the Government of Jamaica.
The silver spoon will have the name of the child engraved on it.
July 6- Britain to aid Jamaica, with a loan at one and a quarter million
pounds, grants of one million pounds under the Colonial Development and
Welfare Fund. Apart of the aid include the handing over of British War
Office property worth two point five million pounds after independence
August 6 1962.
July 6- Reports are that 18 countries have accepted invitations for the august
6, 1962 Independence Celebrations.
July 7- Mr. Maurice Krake float specialist of Vaughan’s Inc. of Minneapolis,
Minnesota the world’s largest manufacturer of float decoration materials
arrived in the island to assist with the Independence Float Celebrations for
August 6, 1962.
July 8- First Jamaican made fibre glass pleasure boat launched at Morgan’s
Harbour. The sleek two toned 15 footer with 6ft beam complete with
internal controls was designed by Mr. Keith Metcalf and built by Jamaica
Fibre Glass Limited located at 203 Windward Road Kingston.
July 10-
The independence Celebration Committee announced that the eve of Jamaica’s
Independence August 5, 1962 will be marked with church services throughout
the country.
July 17-
Middle distance star George Kerr who was a bronze medal winner in the 800
meters at the Rome Olympics is named captain of Jamaica’s Ninth Games track
and field team.
July 18-
Athletes representing Jamaica at the Ninth Central American and Caribbean
Games had their first workout under the lights at the National Stadium.
July 21-
Nineteen year old Marlene Murray, Miss. Hotel Flamingo crowned Miss Jamaica
1962 held at the Myrtle Bank Hotel.
July 22-
First official guest for the Independence Celebration arrive at Palisadoes
Airport in Kingston. She is Mrs. Violet Lopez- Watson widow of Mr.
James Watson, Jamaican first negro Judge of New York.
July 25-
Hunts Bay Power Station officially opened by the Hon. Edward Seaga Minister
of Development and Welfare.
July 31-
The Jamaica Defence Force, consisting of the Jamaica Regiment and the
Jamaica National Reserve, came into effect with the issue of a proclamation
by the Governor bringing into effect the Defence Law which had been approved
by both Houses of the Legislature.
July 31-
The island-wide relay run of the Jamaican Flag began at Victoria Park when
the Governor Sir Kenneth Blackburne ,handed over the flag to the first set
of Boys’ Brigade from the First Jamaica Company (Jones Town Baptist).
July 31-
Prime Minister of Britain Hon. Mr. Harold Macmillan announced that the
British Government and Parliament will be presenting a Speaker’s Chair and a
silver table candelabra to mark Jamaica’s attainment of Independence on
August 6, 1962.
July 31-
The first of a number of warships of the Commonwealth and the United States
Navy, invited to support and participate in Jamaica’s Independence
Celebrations arrived in Kingston.
July
31- Sir Alexander Morley Britain’s
High Commissioner designate to independent Jamaica arrived in the island.
August 1-
It was announced that ten Television sets courtesy of the Gleaner Company
Limited and Phillips Electrical Industries Limited of Holland, will be
placed in Victoria Park from Friday August 3 to Wednesday August 8 for the
public to view the televised programme of Jamaica’s Independence.
August 3-
Her Royal Highness the Princess Margaret arrived in the island on her
historic mission to officiate at the ceremonies that will create the island
of Jamaica the first independent state in the Western Hemisphere in this
century.
August 4-
Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret opened the National Stadium.
August 4-
The statue called “A Jamaican Athlete” was unveiled by Her Royal Highness
Princess Margaret at the National Stadium.
August 4-
The Prime Minister of Canada Rt. Hon. John Diefenbaker presented a gift of
ten thousand dollars about three thousand three hundred pounds to the people
of Jamaica for scholarships tenable in Canada.
August 5-
Prime Minister of Britain Rt. Hon. Harold Macmillan wrote to Sir Alexander
Bustamante Premier of Jamaica recognizing Jamaica has an equal partner in
the Commonwealth.
August 6-
At the stroke of mid-night Jamaica became an independent nation as the Union
Jack was hauled down and the Black, Gold and Green colours of Jamaica’s
National Flag hoisted in its place to the top of the flagstaff while eager
voices sang the National Anthem.
August 6-
Sir Alexander Bustamante applied for membership of the United Nations.
August 7-
The first Parliament of the independent Jamaica summoned to a joint sitting
by proclamation of Her Majesty the Queen, was opened in state at Gordon
House.
August 7-
The Government of the United States donated twenty-seven pounds to Sir
Alexander Bustamante for U.S. scholarships.
August 7-
Many gathered in the Victoria Park to see on television the State Opening of
Parliament, which was taking place at Gordon House courtesy of the Gleaner
Company Limited and Phillips Electrical Industries Limited.
August 7-
Sir Alexander Bustamante gave special message to people of Jamaica “I know
you will respond to the challenge of this new era on which we now enter and
to the difficult tasks and heavy responsibilities ahead of us.”
August 8-
The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Sir Alexander Bustamante, received the first
issue of the new Jamaican Passport at his residence at Tucker Avenue.
August 8-
Mr. Earl Maynier presented his letters of credence to the Prime Minister of
Canada Mr. John Diefenbaker to become Jamaica’s first High Commissioner to
Canada.
August 8-
New stamps to commemorate Jamaica’s Independence were made available at post
offices throughout the island.
August 9-
The flame which will light the Central American and Caribbean Fire during
the opening ceremony of the Games arrived onboard the Mexican Warship
Zacatecas.
August 10-
Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret leaves the island after spending a week
in Jamaica has the central figure of the island’s Independence Celebrations.
August 11-
The biggest event of the independence celebrations, The Float Parade took
place on this day. The Float Parade is design to show the great
variety of Jamaica’s interests. Five thousand people and ninety floats on
showcase.
August 20-
Jamaican 800 meter runner George Kerr ran a record time 1 minute, 51.0
seconds to capture a gold medal in track and field at the 9th
Central American and Caribbean Games. Second went to his teammate Mel
Spence.
September 12-
Jamaica received favour from the Security Council for Admission.
September 18-
Jamaica accepted as the United Nations 107th member.
