Fri | Jan 9, 2026
The Classics

Photo Flashback: January 14, 1962

Published:Friday | January 9, 2026 | 8:44 AM
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The attorney-general, J Leslie Cundall - I regard it as a tremendous honour to have been privileged to have been associated with the committee in preparation of the draft Constitution.
Norman Manley - We have just completed a great work, the draft of a Constitution for an Independent Jamaica. Twenty-three years ago I challenged history by demanding self-government for Jamaica and by dedicating my life to its achievement. Now Independence has come and history has challenged us. I accept the challenge and rededicate myself to our future as an Independent nation.
Alexander Bustamante - We went through great pains to draft the Constitution, in which all citizens of Jamaica will be protected, inclusive of their religious belief. The challenge of Independence will be met with sanity, but there must be a massive assault on the problems of poverty and its allied ills. Otherwise Independence will mean nothing for the majority.
Donald Sangster - It is not just a Constitution that makes a nation. It is the way in which a nation operates a Constitution that matters. I am satisfied that our nation can do the job.
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Constitution makers: Presenting messages from four of the 17 citizens who drafted the Independence Constitution for Jamaica.