     
1945-1962
The Struggle for Independence
A new constitution was granted in 1944. It provided for an elected and
nominated executive council responsible for determining the country’s
policy. The executive council was chosen from the party that won the
majority in the Legislative Council. Members of the executive council
were responsible for the different government departments but power
rested with the Governor.
In 1953 changes were again made to the constitution which provided for a
Chief Minister and seven other Ministers from the House of
Representative Alexander Bustamante became the first Chief Minister. By
1957 self-government was achieved and the Executive Council was replaced
by a Council of Ministers and the powers of the Governor reduced.
As the country’s constitution evolved Federation with the other
Caribbean countries was encouraged. August 2, 1956 Britain passed an Act
for the Federation of the West Indies which came into existence January
3, 1958. The Federation was a political institution with its own
government, constitution, coat of Arms and flag. The Federation was
being challenged though in countries such as Jamaica. On September 19,
1961, Jamaica held a referendum to decide whether to remain in the
Federation. The majority voted ‘No’ and preparations began for Jamaica’s
withdrawal.
Now out of federation, Norman Manley announced that his government would
proceed with preparations for independence.
Best viewed in Internet Explorer
Copyright © The National Library of Jamaica
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF JAMAICA
12 East Street, Kingston, Jamaica
Telephone: [876] 967-1526, 967-2516, 967-2494, 967-2496
Fax: [876] 922-5567
www.nlj.gov.jm
| 