When was jamaica independent

On Sunday August 5, at pm, the National Stadium went dark for one minute with only the flag staff highlighted.

Princess Margaret, on her diplomatic mission, officiated the ceremonies which made Jamaica the first independent state in the Western Hemisphere during the 20th century. She was accompanied by her husband the Earl of Snowdon and the Royal Party.

Independence is celebrated every year and continues to be a well anticipated season which both reminds us of the significance of political freedom and signals the possibilities of a brighter future. Twenty-three colours were suggested by the public for inclusion in the flag which were then narrowed down to three. The Independence Celebrations Committee decided that the flag should have black; yellow was then added for its brightness and the the third colour green was later chosen after lengthy debates of not having any of the union Jack colours represented.

Artists were employed to sketch different configurations of what the design of the flag could be; combining the black, green and gold. The initially selected and approved flag was likened to that of Tanzania and as such Sir Florizel Glasspole suggested that the diagonal yellow lines be selected. Jamaica Independence, Retrieved from URL.

KnowledgeWalk Institute, date published. Date Accessed. Democracy and Citizenship. Right to Vote. Understanding Government. Heads of Government. Politics and the Electoral Process.

Democratic Electoral Systems. Politics: The Basics. Caribbean Political Parties. Cost of an Election. Choosing a Candidate. Women in Politics. Independence and Regional Integration. Understanding Regional Integration.

West Indies Federation. Independence in the Caribbean. Caribbean Free Trade Area. Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. Caribbean Court of Justice. Heads of Government Conference. Country Browser. Reading Room. Glossary of Election Terms.

Glossary of Budget Terms. Caribbean Constitutions. Caribbean Studies. Citizenship Education. 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.

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