Flashback to Independence 1962 - Pt 2

JAMAICANS HAD mixed feelings about the results of the referendum held on September 19, 1961, when the country voted to secede from the West Indies Federation and to go it alone into Independence.

It was a scene of gloom and dejection that evening at Premier Norman Manley's Drumblair residence. Quite a contrast to the champagne and bell ringing at Opposition Leader Alexander Bustamante's residence on Tucker Avenue as the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) celebrated victory.

There had been much anxiety and confusion over the federation and other political issues. We had gone to the polls four times in six years and certainly needed a break. But this was not to be, as the situation now called for another election to decide which party would lead the country into Independence.

The fireworks started immediately. Two days after the referendum, the premier announced that he would be leading a government delegation to London to officially inform the Colonial Office of the results and to set a date for Independence.

Not so, said the opposition leader, throwing down the gauntlet with a terse telegram to Manley. "In matters regarding dominion status for Jamaica, let it be understood that no delegation should proceed to London without representation from my party because, on those matters, you don't speak for Jamaica. I do." Couldn't be any clearer than that.

Notwithstanding the brouhaha, the premier proceeded with his visit to England, but returned without fixing a date, while reporting that Colonial Secretary Iain McLeod had suggested a date in March. This led to wide speculation that Jamaica should prepare for its Independence Day in March 1962. This was only one of several dates that were being proposed. As it turned out, Manley had in mind August 1, Emancipation Day, while Bustamante favoured May 23, the anniversary of his arrest and detention at Up Park Camp in 1938.

Following his return from London, Premier Manley proposed that a joint House committee be established to "work on arrangements for Independence the following year".

Members of this historic committee named on October 13 were Norman Manley, Florizel Glasspole, Vernon Arnett, Iris King, Claude Stewart, Alexander Bustamante, Donald Sangster, Clem Tavares, Robert Lightbourne, and John Gyles.

The premier also announced that the colonial secretary had agreed to receive a joint delegation from both parties in February, 1962, to consider proposals for a Constitution and to formally agree on a date.

Hot debates

During the hot debates that ensued, Manley gave as good as he got from the Opposition and, at one stage, threatened to withdraw his offer to cooperate on major matters.

"You wouldn't dare," shot back Bustamante. "You can't cooperate with people who won't cooperate with you," fumed Manley.

Some semblance of unity returned to the political front when the joint delegation consisting of Manley, Glasspole and Arnett (People's National Party); and Bustamante, Sangster and Lightbourne (JLP) travelled to England and signed the Independence Agreement at Lancaster House on February 10, 1962.

However, there were some tense moments during the meetings, one of which was described by Gleaner Editor Theodore Sealy, who covered the conference.

"A very interesting thing occurred regarding a luncheon at Buckingham Palace to which The Queen had invited both party leaders. As it turned out, Busta (Bustamante) had been invited as leader of the opposition. He sent a note with due protocol to the palace to state that he was not able to attend as thus invited, because he was not in England as leader of the opposition, nor was Mr Manley there as premier. They were both there, he said, as leaders of their respective parties come to negotiate a constitutional independence. The Queen then altered the nature of the invitation."

This made Manley furious, but not for long, and the two cousins approached the deliberations in fine fettle, culminating in that famous photograph of Manley and Bustamante smiling in unity at the board table in London. Independence was set for August 6, 1962.

The two leaders returned to Jamaica on February 12 on separate flights to tumultuous party welcomes at Montego Bay, and grand motorcades into Kingston.

The election day was announced by Manley. It was to be April 10, and history was about to be made.

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