THE MONTHLY GLEANER | JULY 18 - AUGUST 17, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 2 BIRTH OF A NATION IN FEBRUARY 1962, a new Constitution was approved by the Legislature and the Premier, Norman Manley called General Elections. Alexander Bustamante was elected in April and became the first Prime Minister of Jamaica. On August 6, 1962, Jamaica became an Independent Nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. Jamaica becoming an Independent Nation meant that Britain, no longer controlled the affairs of the country. It was now the responsibility of the newly elected Prime Minister and the locally elected Cabinet. Independence also meant that a Constitution, symbols, emblems, an army, Jamaican currency and passports had to be developed for the country. As an Independent Nation, Jamaica assigns Ambassadors overseas who represent the country. They sign treaties on behalf of Jamaica and become members of various international organisations. This is important, as it gives Jamaica equal rights on various issues relating to international trade, policies and treaties. Every year on August 6, (previously first Monday in August), Jamaicans celebrate the removal of our dependence on Britain to control specific functions of the country. At this time, we also honour all those persons who were responsible for the transfer of power. In October, during National Heritage Week (third Monday in October), we also honour our six National Heroes and one Heroine, in recognition of their contribution to the birth of our nation. EMANCIPATION STALWARTS In Jamaica on August 1, 1838, thousands of ex-slaves who had gathered at town centres and churches in the British Caribbean territory broke into joyous celebrations after hearing the final words of the Emancipation Declaration, affirming their full freedom from slavery. This momentous date represented the abolition of the dehumanising system which had enslaved people of African descent in the British colony for over 150 years. The Emancipation Act of 1838 was passed by the British Government following a sustained abolition campaign, underscored by bloody slave uprisings in the colonies as well as increased anti-slavery sentiment in the UK. In the midst of the campaign, which lasted from 1780 until 1838, several individuals distinguished themselves as true anti-slavery champions. These include: Thomas Clarkson William Wilberforce Joseph Sturge William Knibb Thomas Burchell, and Samuel Sharpe - JIS ‘Jamaica 62: One Love to the World’ Anthony Turner/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK area residents are in for an exciting Independence treat with the staging of the People’s Ball, hosted by the Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc in Queens on Saturday, August 10. The popular People’s Ball, which is held in New York annually to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence, is one of the most glamorous Jamaican events on the entertainment calendar. Last year, music legend Tommy Cowan was honoured with a Living Legend Award for his dedication to the preservation of Jamaican music. Patron of the ball was former Consul General of Jamaica in New York, Dr Basil K. Bryan. Other honorees included Morgan Heritage, social media influencer Juliet ‘Julie Mango’ Bodley, and veteran reggae singer Stranger Cole. This year, in the absence of the decadesold ball by the Jamaican Consulate, the People’s Ball will take on an elevated level of prominence. It will be the main platform for celebrating Jamaica’s journey to 62 years of independence. The event is being produced by New York-based entertainment industry veteran Lexy Brooks, who brings years of high-level production experience to the table. In the past, she has lent her support and expertise to the Jamaican Consulate ball. GREAT PRIDE “As a people, we are very celebratory about our milestones, so it is with great pride that I am creating for our people a premium, first-class, professionally executed event that New Yorkers from all walks of life can enjoy”, Brooks told The Gleaner. “The People’s Ball, in its third year postpandemic, is by the people, for the people; meaning, all are invited. This is about our country and the sterling accomplishments over the past 62 years. Our ball will rock!” she stated emphatically. This year’s ball will be held at the Terrace On The Park, in Queens, NY. The theme is ‘The Rise of the Black, Gold, and Green’, while the hashtag is #62for62. “Our guests will think it is 1962 when they arrive inside the ballroom, yet it will have a presence and the luminosity of 2024. We will have surprise dynamic speakers and honorees. We are also sorting through performers to bring the best entertainers to the event,” Brooks added. Part proceeds from the People’s Ball will benefit organisation’s like Team Jamaica Bickle, Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (UJAA) and Woman Inc’s Crisis Centre. entertainment@gleanerjm.com ‘Our ball will rock!’ Jamaica Independence People’s Ball returns to dazzle New Yorkers HER ROYAL HIGHNESS the Princess Margaret at Gordon House, reads the Queen’s Speech which she declared open Jamaica’s first Parliament on Tuesday, August 7, 1962. On the dais with her are His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Kenneth Blackburne; Earl of Snowdon the Princess husband, Lady Blackburne, with members of the Royal party among those standing behind. In front of the dais (at left) are the bewigged Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Tacius Golding, and the President of the Senate, the Ho. Senator G.C. Campbell. In front of them are clerks of the Legislature, and at right, members of the Parliamentary Opposition. GLEANER ARCHIVES This year, Jamaica commemorates its 62nd anniversary of Independence, having achieved Independence on August 6, 1962. The anniversary will be celebrated with a range of activities across the island under the theme:‘Jamaica 62: One Love to the World’. See excerpts from the country’s proud history.
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