THIS DAY IN OUR PAST

The following events took place on June 26 in the years identified:

1977 As the dengue fever continues to grip the island without sign of abatement, the Government takes further steps to combat it. So far, unofficial figures indicate that hundreds of people have been hit by the fever (which also struck some years ago) and at least two possible deaths from it, that of a middle-age woman and an infant. The Ministry of Health mobilises parish councillors to assist the Public Health Department in getting rid of breeding places of the virus carrier, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. In another anti-dengue operation, the health ministry is to start aerial spraying to get rid of their breeding places and the St James Health Department launches a cleanup campaign in the parish. The dengue fever makes its appearance shortly after recent rains which broke the long drought that had been affecting the island. 1984 Celebrations marking 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Jamaica in 1834 is launched by Prime Minister Edward Seaga at Jamaica House. Highlights of the celebrations, named ‘Abolition 150’, will include flagraising ceremonies, a midnight service to be televised from the Spanish Town Square, several other church services, a thanksgiving or ‘Tun Thanks’ re-enactment, an exhibition at the Kingston Parish Library at Tom Redcam Drive, lectures and heritage fairs. Speaking at the launch, Seaga says that the first of the functions, the Presentation of Flags, will take place on July 25, when Chief Justice Kenneth Smith will be presented with the Flags to be raised at the courthouses throughout Jamaica.