THIS DAY IN OUR PAST
The following events took place on January 16 in the years identified:
1950:vice-president, Ivan Harty, first
presides over a meeting of the drugs, chemicals and cosmetics branches of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association at the office of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the effects of devaluation of the pound on those industries and how best to overcome them. The opportunity is taken to review the situation, but it is felt that the meeting is not sufficiently representative to come to a decision on that subject. It is decided to hold a subsequent meeting at a date to be fixed. 1974:suspension The temporary
of the cashing of British money orders in the island, due to uncertainty about the value of the pound sterling, is lifted but later reimposed. Scores of people visit post offices in the Corporate Area to cash their money orders, but only a few have the chance to do so. The suspension is imposed again because the pound falls further, a General Post Office spokesman tells The Gleaner. The post office decides to suspend cashing of British money orders because of losses experienced as the pound continues to decline. “Since there is uncertainty as to what should be paid for these money orders, it is decided to suspend cashing them for a period until the situation becomes clear,” the spokesman says. 1990:Twenty
young people from various organisations are presented with the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards under the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme at a ceremony at King’s House.
The scheme recognises young people for their participation in four areas: learning a new skill, giving service to an organisation, physical recreation and expedition. Michael Fennell, chairman of the scheme, says it does not involve competition, but is about the development of the individual. Florizel Glasspole, governor general, who presents the awardees with certificates and pins, says that the scheme is important, especially in a country like Jamaica where about 50 per cent of the population is 20 years old and under.
– The Gleaner Archives
Today’s Gem
“Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves.” Earnest Dimnet