60 years of Jamaican Independence: Flag raising to be held in Northampton town centre

West Northamptonshire will celebrate the the 60th anniversary of Jamaican Independence Day with a flag raising ceremony in Northampton this Saturday, August 6. The day marks exactly 60 years since the Caribbean island proclaimed independence from Britain in 1962.

The ceremony will take place at 11am, outside the Sessions House on George Row in Northampton. Representatives from West Northamptonshire Council, Northampton Town Council, the Northampton Black History Association and Windrush Association will be joined by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, Mrs. Morcea Walker MBE.

Jamaica was colonised by the British in 1660 and became a major sugar-growing colony, fuelled by the enslavement of thousands of Africans. It remained part of the British Empire for over 300 years until declaring independence on August 6 1962.

Jamaica was colonised by the British in 1660 and became a major sugar-growing colony, fuelled by the enslavement of thousands of Africans. It remained part of the British Empire for over 300 years until declaring independence on August 6 1962.

Councillor André González De Savage, Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “West Northamptonshire Council is proud to mark this important anniversary in Jamaican history and culture and all are welcome to observe the flag raising ceremony.

“Community groups and organisations can apply to raise their flags at the councils’ offices to mark official anniversaries and events and our flag protocol provides more information about this.”

Councillor Dennis Meredith, the Mayor of Northampton, said: “We are incredibly excited to participate in this year’s festivities for Jamaican Independence Day – recognising 60 years of Jamaican Independence and joining Jamaicans here in Northampton and all over the world in celebrating their heritage.”