Memories of Independence Day – August 6, 1962

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There may be several Jamaicans who were born before August 6, 1962, but it is likely that there are very few who actually attended the official Independence function held at the National Stadium 61 years ago.

My father, Noel Crosswell, was the last commissioner of police of colonial Jamaica, and was on the job on Independence Day. I was about 10 years old, and my sisters were seven and four years old, and my father was resolute that all his girls had to witness this great occasion. Daddy was a strong supporter of Independence for Jamaica, his country of birth, while my mother, who was English, would have preferred if we had remained under British rule.

My father’s personal attaché – our dear Sergeant Chambers – was charged with the responsibility of making sure we three girls in matching dresses arrived on time along with our housekeeper, and were seated before my parents’ arrival. We were seated behind the Royal Box, and in front of us were Sir Kenneth Blackburn, the last British governor and first governor general of Jamaica, and Sir Alexander Bustamante. We were all so small, but where we were seated was a good vantage point. It is likely that sitting elsewhere we would not have seen and been able to absorb and enjoy the significance of this very important occasion.

We witnessed the entire function, and what an occasion it was! I remember the police who were responsible for taking down the British flag and replacing it with the Jamaican flag while our new national anthem played. For the police and the army and all the officials, including my father and Sir Alexander, it was a ‘spit and polish’ night. As the march-past took place, not a member of daddy’s Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) was out of step with the JCF Band, who were at their magnificent best. I recall the JCF horses, and I think I am right in saying that we were treated to an evening of fireworks.

I look back now and say daddy was right about Jamaica becoming independent. We were ready to go it alone, make our own mistakes, and build a country which continues to produce such excellence in so many areas. I am in awe of our athletes; our students; our professionals, who qualify at great heights and become experts in many different fields; our musicians; our food and the culture that is significantly Jamaican. It is sure nice to know that we did that all by ourselves. Sadly, dad died in 1963, but I know he must be very proud of his beloved Jamaica.

FELICITY BRANDT