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The Classics

Photo Flashback: The Gleaner’s Children’s Own Spelling Bee, August 1964

Published:Friday | August 22, 2025 | 8:47 AM
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CHAMPION GIRL SPELLER, Cynthia Nembhard, received her prize of a dictionary awarded by the JBC from Mrs. Sylvia Carew, at the Spelling Bee Champion’s luncheon held in August 1964 at the Myrtle Bank Hotel.
WELCOME to his office is extended by the Prime Minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante, to Mrs. Louise Chambers, eldest of the teachers who brought Parish Champions to the Spelling Bee finals in August 1964. Her pupil (youngest of the champions), 9-year-old Joan Ann Rhoden of London Preparatory School, St. Andrew is at left. Centre is Cayman Islands Champion Gary Ebanks, who is the first representative the Caymans have had in the Spelling Bee.
CHAMPION BOY SPELLER Junior Henry received a dictionary awarded by RJR, presented by Mr. Graham Binns, at the Champion’s luncheon held in August 1964 at the Myrtle Bank Hotel.
Mrs. J.C. Palmer of Harrison Memorial School, St. James says thanks on behalf of the teachers who participated in the final week's events of the 1964 Children's Own Spelling bee. She was one of the speakers at the Champion's luncheon held at the Myrtle Bank Hotel on August 13, 1964. Others (from left) are lady Bustamante, the All-Island Spelling Champion, Junior Henry; the Girl Spelling Champion, Cynthia Nembhard, the Minister of Education, the Hon. E.L. Allen; Lowell Smith, second place winner and Senator Mrs. Esme Grant, parliamentary Secretary, Ministry od Education. Seated in the background is G. Fletcher, Managing Director of the Gleaner Ltd.
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Step back to August 1964, when young champions from across Jamaica gathered for the Children’s Own Spelling Bee. The event celebrated the nation’s brightest young spellers, culminating in a luncheon at the Myrtle Bank Hotel