To mark Jamaican Independence Day on 6 August, Zhenreenah Muhxinga talked to Newham resident Babs who remembers that historic day in 1962

A photograph of a young girl — Babs as a girl

S t. Thomas, Jamaica – 6 August 1962 – In a joyous and historic celebration, school children across St. Thomas were the recipients of special gifts marking Jamaica’s independence. The initiative, part of a nationwide effort to commemorate this momentous occasion, aimed to foster a sense of national pride and unity among the young citizens of the newly independent Jamaica.

Babs’ teachers at Bath Primary school, told the children that this is a day of great pride and joy for all Jamaicans. The children are the future of our nation, and it is vital they understand the significance of our independence. The gifts and celebrations help them connect with their heritage and feel a part of this historic moment.

Babs, aged eight from Castle Hill St. Thomas, remembers receiving a national cup and a plastic bag of milk powder.

She guarded her cup and hid it under the hibiscus flower tree until she was ready to go home. The milk powder didn’t stand a chance, Babs was so hungry she pierced a hole with her finger and started licking the powder from the bag. By the time she got home it was almost finished. She lived with her grandmama (because her mother migrated to England in 1948 on the Windrush ship) who asked Babs for the rest of the milk powder, she ran away because she knew there and then she was going to get a big telling off. But no Grandmama wasn’t going to tell her off this time, she wanted some herself!!!

Later on in the night the celebration of Jamaica’s independence was a landmark event that resonated deeply across the island. But in Bath district St. Thomas, the old school hall became the highlight of the night, playing games like dominoes, cards, ludo, spelling bee, best sketchers, speeches from the Parish councillors, story telling, folklore dancing, women’s skirts twirling around and around while the men march around the women, and the celebrations list went on and on, ending with a big party playing the latest music.

Babs and her friends were in their element, she remembered dancing to Ska Ska, Thirty Pieces of Silver, 007 and many many more, but those stuck out in her mind up to this day at the age of 70.

As Jamaica continues to progress, the memories and lessons of 1962 remain a vital part of its national consciousness, inspiring pride and unity among its people. Singing the national anthem Jamaica Land We Love every morning at school as well as every independence day. Babs now at the age of 70, living in Newham reflected back, thinking of a cup and a bag of milk powder.

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