Mon | Apr 13, 2026
The Classics

PHOTO FLASHBACK: Jamaica celebrates Independence – 1962

Published:Friday | August 6, 2021 | 2:52 AMA Digital Integration & Marketing production
Pause
File
August 8 1962 – Dr. G. Malasekera, National Delegate of Ceylon, Permanent representative to the United Nations (right) and his wife poses with the Hon. Donald Sangster, Minister of Finance, in the VIP lounge at Palisadoes Airport shortly after they arrived on BOAC jet from New York to attend Jamaica’s Independence celebrations.
File
Guests in the main stand at the National Stadium rise at midnight in salute to the Jamaica National Flag as it is raised to the top of the flagstaff during the ceremonies making Jamaica's Independence.
File
INDEPENDENCE & TRIUMPH: In the Royal Box at the National Stadium in August 1962, HRH Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon stand as the National Flag of Jamaica is raised to signal achievement of Independence by Jamaica. Between them is Governor General Sir Kenneth Blackburne, and on the right of the princess is Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante. At the earl’s left is Norman Manley, leader of the Opposition, and at lower right is Vice-President Lyndon Johnson of the United States and Mrs Johnson.
File
Lively scene in a folk dance being performed by members of the Edinborough Troupe.
File
The brilliant illumination of King Street in the early hours of Jamaica’s independence on Sunday, August 5, 1962.
File
U.S. Vice President Lyndon Johnson getting into his car at South Parade on August 7, 1962 after heading the opening of parliament at Gordon House.
File
Citizens of Hermitage, St. Andrew, on a float which toured the Mona Heights area on Monday, August 6, 1962. The truck was decorated with flags, ackee pods and lignum-vitae branches.
File
Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret reads the Queen’s speech with which she declared open Jamaica’s first Parliament on August 7, 1962. On the dais with her are His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Kenneth Blackburne; the Earl of Snowdon and Lady Blackburne, with members of the Royal Party standing behind.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

There are likely no more memorable scenes in Jamaica’s history of memorable scenes than the ones provided by the occasion of Jamaica’s Independence in 1962. The Gleaner, as it has always been, was there.

This is a production independent of The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited's newsroom. For feedback: contact the Digital Integration and Marketing Department at Newsletters@gleanerjm.com