Former Governor of Jamaica, Lord Milverton, has expressed strong confidence in the island’s readiness for Independence, describing the nation as fully capable of managing its own affairs. Upon his arrival for the 1962 celebrations, he praised Jamaica’s civil service and the deep sense of public duty among its people.

Published Wednesday, July 25, 1962

Milverton: Just like coming home

“I am naturally glad to see Jamaica becoming independent because I think she is fully capable of handling her own affairs,” said Lady Milverton yesterday as she arrived to attend Jamaica's Independence celebrations.

The 77-year-old former Governor of Jamaica, accompanied by Lady Milverton, arrived aboard the m/v North Star from London.
They will be on the island for three weeks and are staying at the Terra Nova Hotel.
Lord Milverton is one of the past governors invited by the Jamaican Government to attend the celebrations.
In a shipboard interview, he said that he and Lady Milverton were very glad to be back in Jamaica again. “It’s like coming home.”
Speaking of Jamaica’s coming independence, Lord Milverton said: “I am naturally glad to see Jamaica becoming independent because I think she is fully capable of managing her own affairs.
“In my opinion, Jamaica has a large number of men capable of occupying positions of that kind of responsibility in politics and otherwise; and, of course, it has the advantage—one which so many of the newly independent countries have not had – of having a very good civil service. It is not possible, in my opinion, for any government, however good, to function properly unless it has that substructure of a capable and reliable civil service, which Jamaica has.
“May I say that of all the countries I have known – and I have known many around the world which have recently become independent – there is in Jamaica, I think, a greater degree of the sense of public service.”
He said there had always been a large number of Jamaicans in his time, and even more now, who are willing to give their time and ability in the service of the state not for the sake of gain, but to serve the country which is theirs.
“That is why I think Jamaica has a bright future before it – because it has the men willing to undertake the jobs which mean good government to a country.”
Lord Milverton, who is a director of the West Indies Sugar Company, said that during his stay he and Lady Milverton would visit Monymusk and other WISCO estates and see a number of old friends.
They were met at the pier by Mr. B. St. J. Hamilton, Administrative Secretary of the Independence Celebrations Committee, and Mr. C. C. Michelin, General Manager of the West Indies Sugar Company’s Monymusk Estate.

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