Existing comment:
From British Colony to Independence:
Jamaica's quest for self-government began in earnest with Norman W. Manley establishing the People's National Party in 1938 and Alexander Bustamente founding the Jamaica Labour Party in 1943. A new constitution in 1944 established a House of Representatives, popularly elected, to share power with the Governor. In 1957, Jamaica became fully selfgoverned [sic], all internal affairs handled by an Executive Council, and led by a premier. The following year, 1958, Jamaica joined the West Indies Federation, which included all of the British Islands in the Caribbean, which did not last long, disbanding in May 1962. Jamaica requested, and was granted, independence from England, effective August 6, 1962. |