Jamaica’s Independence
It could be argued that the movement toward self-government and independence in Jamaica started in the 1930s. It was during this period of political upheaval that Jamaica’s main political parties were born. The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), led by Alexander Bustamante, emerged from the trade union also formed by Bustamante. This trade union still bears his name. A few months later his cousin, Norman Manley, a former Rhodes Scholar and a leading barrister, launched the People’s National Party (PNP). Both Bustamante and Manley have been immortalised in Jamaica’s history as they have been made Jamaica’s National Heroes.
The British Government agreed a new constitution in 1944, which heralded in universal adult suffrage and an elected parliament. In December 1944 Jamaica had its first general election, which was won decisively by the JLP taking twenty-two of the thirty-two seats. In January 1945 the British Colonial Secretary, Oliver Stanley, laid down the policies aimed at uniting Britain’s Caribbean territories. The new members of parliament had no power, as they were still accountable to the Colonial Office through the Governor. The JLP retained office in the 1949 election.
In 1951 Sir Hugh Foot arrived as Governor of Jamaica and discussions were held regarding future modification of the constitution. The PNP won the 1955 general elections. The second change to Jamaica’s constitution was in 1957. The government was a Cabinet Government, from which the Governor was removed. All the members were called ministers and Manley took the position of Chief Minister.
The British Caribbean territories were joined together in 1958, though many of the larger territories objected. The new group became the Federation of the West Indies. The first Federal Election took place in March 1958 and the JLP won 12 of the island’s 17 seats in the Federal Parliament, both parties sharing the two nominated seats in the Federal Senate.
Much work was done to make the Federation work, but severe strains developed in the Federation between Jamaica and Trinidad on the one hand and also between the Jamaican and the Federal Government on the other. The central issue was federal taxation. By 1960 the JLP boycotted the federal by-election and declared its intention to fight for the withdrawal of Jamaica from the Federation in the future. The PNP Government decided to hold a referendum to allow the people to decide whether or not they wanted Jamaica to continue its association with the Federation. The PNP advocated staying in the union, but the JLP backed withdrawal. The Referendum was held in September 1961 and the electorate voted for removal from the Federation. Removal was granted and the British Government agreed to discuss Jamaica’s independence. The Federation collapsed the following year.
Within a year a new constitution was drafted, based on Jamaica’s current design, but with a number of changes. The date for independence was set for 6 August 1962.
New national elections were held in April 1962. More than 71 percent of the electorate turned out to vote and the JLP won 26 seats and the PNP 19. The JLP became the government to lead Jamaica’s Independence on 6 August 1962. Jamaica’s last Governor, Sir Kenneth Blackburne, took office as the first Governor-General, but Sir Clifford Campbell replaced him a few months later.
Jamaica’s independence was welcomed with great celebrations. On 7 August 1962, Princess Margaret, the Queen’s sister, opened Jamaica’s first session of Parliament on behalf of the Queen. This completed the transfer of independence to Jamaica.