The handing over of the base in Vernamfield was symbolic of great bonds and new relationships. Both parties involved echoed sentiments of world peace and new beginnings. Governor Sir John Huggins extended praise to the Americans for their role in the war, but openly wished the base would not have to be used for war purposes again.

Published Tuesday, December 29, 1949

CEREMONY MARKS BASE CHANGE OVER

-Governor praises Americans

Expressions of joy and sadness were made at Vernamfield yesterday when Brigadier General R. Bean, commander of the U.S. General Caribbean Air Command, officially turned the base over to His Excellency the Governor Sir John Huggins, representing the British and Jamaican Governments.

“This in a way,” said the general, “is a rather sad occasion but, in fact, I feel it is a very happy one because it indicates that we have forged world peace. I hope that the wonderful cooperation between the British Government and the Government of the United States of America is indicative of what a sane, democratic people can do.

“The deactivation of this base today, in my opinion, is a monument toward world peace. It is my sincere hope that the base – as a war base – will never arise for it to be used again. It goes with our best wishes to the British Government.”

War – And After

The governor in reply extolled the Americans for their part in the war, and said he wished to associate himself with the remarks made by the general about the cooperation which has existed between the two nations during the war and after.

“Without that cooperation,” the governor said, “the war could not have been won. Peace cannot be regarded as lasting unless our nations continue to cooperate in that way.

“I want to say one word about the happy relationship which has existed between the United States Forces stationed here and the people of Jamaica. I was not here when the base was built…but I had met the colonel in charge at that time and I have met every colonel who has been in charge since then. They have all been my friends and friends of Jamaica.

“One of your colonels was awarded the Order of the British Empire, not only for the work he had done here, but for his performances in other parts. I, too, had the honour of receiving the Medal of Freedom of the United States. I do not regard that medal as awarded to me, so much as to symbolise the relationship between the forces here during the period of occupation by the Americans.”

The governor said that should the Americans come back, Jamaica would welcome them; if they did not, Jamaica would remember them kindly for their fight in the cause of freedom.

Changeover

The changeover ceremony began with the “marching on” of an American honour guard from Panama to the flag pole circle. The Jamaica Military Band, under Major R.G. Jones, formed up below the American airmen and the Jamaica Batallion at the southern end.

The band opened with the American Anthem “Stars and Stripes” followed by the British National Anthem, and forces “presented arms” and gave appropriate salutes.

Brigadier General Bean then formally turned the base over to the governor. Salutes were given as “Old Glory” was lowered. The flag party from the guard of honour received the flag, folded it and “marched off”.

The Union Jack was then run up and salutes were given

The governor formally accepted the base. National anthems were played and the troops marched off to the airport where the Military Band gave the final farewell to the Colours of America.

Gen. Bean, who flew from Panama in a B-17 aircraft, was accompanied by Mr J.G. Greenway.

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