While Jamaica observed a solemn National Day of Mourning in response to the Rhodesian executions, the peaceful atmosphere was briefly disrupted by a protest outside the high commission. Demonstrators hanged effigies of British Prime Minister Harold Wilson and Rhodesian leader Ian Smith, expressing outrage over the killings. Though the group dispersed quietly after the act, the incident stood out on an otherwise respectful and reflective day across the island.

Published Friday, March 22, 1968 

Executed Africans …

Jamaicans observe Day of Mourning

Church bells tolled and flags were flown at half-mast throughout Jamaica yesterday as Jamaicans observed the National Day of Mourning, declared by unanimous decision of Parliament over the act of the illegal regime of Rhodesia in executing Africans in spite of the reprieve granted by the Queen. In connection with the Rhodesian situation, members of the House of Representatives wore black ties or black armbands, but, other than that, it was business as usual.
The House had been scheduled to sit late last night but because of the lack of agreement on the amendments to the Improvement Area Bill, it ended its sitting at 8:10 p.m.
The Senate meets at Gordon House this forenoon at 11 o’clock.
At midday, Anglican, Roman Catholic, and other churches tolled their bells for a period of time in observance of the National Day of Mourning. Business continued as usual, but several business places, and King’s House, Jamaica House, the embassies, and the ministries, flew the national flag of black, green, and gold at half-mast.
Following the prime minister’s request that all persons be appropriately dressed, most persons in the streets wore black heart-shaped emblems attached to their clothing, or black ties. Some even had black flags attached to their cars. In the House of Representatives, all the members wore black ties and three of them— N.W. Manley, Hon Cleve Lewis, and A.H. Williams — wore black armbands.
Prayers said
All official social functions were cancelled and, on both local radio stations, special prayers were said and classical music appropriate to a day of mourning was played. On RJR, transmission was closed for one minute at noon, as a mark of respect.
In Courts 5 and 6 of the Supreme Court, moments of silence were observed in keeping with the day of mourning. The observation was proposed in Court 6 by  Anthony Spaulding, appearing before Mr Justice Lopez (acting), and by Mr Maurice Tenn, appearing before Mr Justice Grannum (acting).
The day of mourning was also observed in rural areas. In Brown’s Town, St Ann, hundreds from the Sturge Town Primary School and surrounding areas were dressed in black to mark the day.
The day of mourning — from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.— passed quietly, the only incident reported being a demonstration by a group outside the offices of the high commission in the morning. They hanged effigies of the British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, and Ian Smith, the president of Rhodesia, outside the office. After the demonstration, they dispersed quietly.

CHRISTIANA, Manchester. March 21 (From our correspondent)
The official day of mourning, unanimously approved by both Houses of Parliament and formally declared by the Prime Minister, the Hon Hugh Shearer, was appropriately observed in these parts today. Flags were flown at half-mast on all public buildings, including schools, post offices, banks, and some private residences. In the neighbouring villages and districts of Coleyville, Devon, Bryce, and Pike, the police stations at Christiana and Spaldings, the Public Works and Parish Council offices, and the Percy Junor Hospital at Spaldings also observed the day.
Church bells solemnly tolled their message of grief and protest at noon, reminding all within hearing distance of the execution of five Rhodesian Africans on the gallows by order of the illegal Ian Smith regime.
Most commercial business places also hoisted the national flag at half-mast, and citizens everywhere wore symbolic tokens of mourning. An atmosphere of subdued quietness prevailed throughout the day.

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.