Countdown to Independence 1962

Lance Neita, Contributor

The Jamaica Independence Celebrations Committee of 1962 chaired by then Gleaner Editor Theodore Sealy rolled out a massive programme for the all-island celebrations to mark our transition to Independence. The plan called for activities on a scale never before attempted in Jamaica, and which encompassed every hamlet, district, school, community and parish across the country.

It included flag-raising ceremonies, street dances, float parades, exhibitions, concerts, bonfires, state functions, fireworks, the official opening of Parliament and the IX Central American and Caribbean Games.

The extent to which the celebrations were carried is best depicted in the invitation that was sent to teachers across the island "to ensure that all children of Jamaica take part in a flag-raising and tree-planting ceremony at their schools on August 6".

Each child was to be given a flag, an Independence cup, an Independence badge and an Independence ballpoint pen. The schools - over 1,400 listed - would also be given sufficient quantities of biscuits, aerated water, sweets and ice.

The programme called for prayers, messages, a talk by a prominent citizen, the song I Pledge My Heart, planting of a blue mahoe tree, the anthem and a treat.

The school functions were indicative of the depth and outreach of the national programme at all levels.

A clean-up and paint-up committee was appointed in Linstead, as well as an entertainment, fireworks and sanitation committee.

Committee preparations

Parish Council Secretary R.D. Lewars confirmed that each district would be given flags and decorations plus £80.

A similar allocation did not go down well in Westmoreland, where councilors expressed dissatisfaction with the amount and were of the opinion that if it necessitated voluntary contributions, there would be no celebrations in the parish.

The formal national calendar commenced on August 3 with the arrival of Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden at the Palisadoes airport, followed by the official welcome ceremony at George VI Memorial Park (now National Heroes Park).

An art-and-craft exhibition was opened at Wolmer's, history exhibitions mounted at the Institute of Jamaica and the Kingston Parish Library, and a dance theatre concert 'Roots and Rhythms', choreographed by Rex Nettleford and Eddy Thomas, staged at the Little Theatre.

The following day, Saturday, August 4, Princess Anne unveiled the Olympic statue and opened the National Stadium.

Sunday was a national day of prayer when the princess worshipped at the Spanish Town Cathedral. Later in the day, there was a drill display on Harbour Street by a United States Navy and Marine Corps and a choral recital at St Andrew Scots Kirk, featuring a 400-voice children's choir conducted by Lloyd Hall.

All this led up to the chief feature of the celebrations which was the historic midnight flag-raising ceremony at the Stadium.

Kingstonians woke up Monday morning to a gun salute from Commonwealth and US Navy boats in the harbour.

There was also the State Ball at the Sheraton, where Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante famously waltzed with Her Royal Highness and rather indecorously whispered in her ear, "How is your sister?"

The celebrations spilled over into Wednesday, August 8, with more fly-pasts, exhibitions, and the High Commissioners and Ambassadors presenting their credentials to Governor General Sir Kenneth Blackbourne and the prime minister.

On that day also, the royal couple took off on a train ride for brief receptions at Spanish Town, Denbigh, Williamsfield, Maggotty, Montpelier and Montego Bay railway stations.

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