Celebrating Jamaica's Best

THE WEEKLY GLEANER | JULY 30 - AUGUST 5, 2020 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | I8 BIG 7 Promotions, a registered event and entertainment company since 2010, is headed by a dedicated team of hip, outgoing, and creative professionals. ITS PARTNERS have worked in the entertainment business for several years, aiming tobe leaders in the sector through excellence, creativity, innovation, and customer-focused service. With its mantra ‘I Am My Brother’s Keeper’, Big 7 Promotions strives to meet the needs of corporate clients and provide all guests with efficient service and sincerity. The commitment of the entire team has enabled the company to continue its quest for excellence. JUST BEFORE midnight on August 5, 1962, the British Union Jack was lowered and the Jamaican flag raised for the first time, marking Jamaica’s independence and the dawn of a new era. The national parade, flag-raising ceremony and fireworks were held at the National Stadium, with the evening’s events beginning at 11 p.m. More than 20,000 people gathered at the venue for the night’s celebrations. At one and a half minutes to midnight, the first verse of the British anthem was played. The lights on the 60-foot pylons were put out and darkness descended upon the arena. In the hush that followed, the Union Jack, which waved over Jamaica for 307 years, was hauled down. Then, 30 seconds to midnight, the lights came on again and the Jamaican flag was raised to the top of the flagpole. Then, both verses of the national anthem were played. At the ceremony were the governor, Sir Kenneth Blackburne, Jamaica’s first governor general, his wife, Lady Blackburne, and Jamaica’s premier, Sir Alexander Bustamante, who was later sworn in as prime minister. Also present were Princess Margaret, who was representing the Queen, and her husband, the Earl of Snowdon. There were also dignitaries frommany countries such as the United States, Australia, Pakistan and the United Kingdom. FIRST GOVERNMENT The Jamaica Labour Party formed the first government of independent Jamaica, having beaten the People’s National Party by polling 72.88 per cent of the voters in the election that was held on April 10, 1962. This was after the Jamaican people voted against joining the West Indies Federation in 1961. August 5, 1962 was the national day PLEASE SEE NATION , 12 A nation is born JAMAICA INDEPENDENCE 58 Alexander Bustamante the Premier, greets Princess Margaret on her arrival from London at the Palisadoes International Airport this morning for Jamaica’s Independence Celebrations. Her Husband, Lord Snowdon (in morning coat) awaits his turn with outstretched hand to be greeted by the Premier. At extreme left is the Governor, Sir Kenneth Blackburne. GLEANER PHOTOGRAPH Big 7 Promotions Members of the Big 7 Promotions team. CONTRIBUTED INDEPENDENCE FEATURE J L 30 - A T 30,