Kingston’s centenary celebration – Nov 1972

THE CITY of Kingston owes its birth to the earthquake of June 7, 1692 which destroyed Port Royal. The damage was so extensive that, two weeks after, the Legislative Council ordered the survey of 200 acres of Colonel Beeston’s on St Andrew, where they resolved to build a new town.

On September 7, 1692, the council said that “the draught laid out by John Goffe of the town of Kingston in the parish of St Andrew was allowed and approved.” Sir William Beeston arrived as governor on March 9, 1693 and, two months later, called an assembly which passed an Act making Kingston into a parish.

The development of Kingston progressed very slowly, however, and it was not until the fire of 1703, which virtually finished Port Royal, that Kingston began to grow. The Port Royal citizens had become so disheartened that they migrated to Kingston, and, by 1716, Kingston had become the largest town in Jamaica and centre of the island’s trade, boosted by the fact that the Kingston Harbour is one of the best natural harbours in the world.

In 1872, with a population of 34,000 (including Port Royal), Kingston replaced Spanish Town as Jamaica’s capital.

November 1972 saw the celebration of Kingston’s centenary. A carnival spirit prevailed throughout the city, with a Grand Spectacular at the National Stadium. See highlights in pictures from The Gleaner Archives.

Information compiled by Sheree Rhoden, information

systems manager, The Gleaner Co (Media) Ltd. The Gleaner Library is a rich repository of archival material – newspaper clippings, articles, photographs, cartoons. To purchase the featured photographs or other archival materials, please contact us at 876-932-6231 or email library@gleanerjm.com.

FILE PHOTOS Their Excellencies, the Governor General, Sir Clifford Campbell, centre and Lady Campbell, second from right, walking towards the Royal Box at the National Stadium at November 11 Grand Spectacular marking the 100th year of Kingston as the Capital of Jamaica. At left is the Chief of Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force, Brigadier David Smith, with the Mayor of Kingston Councillor Eli Matalon at right. Behind is Lt. Leo Blake, the Governor-General’s A.D.C.

At the grand spectacular staged at the National Stadium on November 11 to mark the close of the centenary celebrations of the City of Kingston, distinguished guests included (left to right) Prime Minister the Hon. Michael Manley, Mrs Eli Matalon, wife of the Mayor of Kingston, Her Excellency Lady Campbell. Town Clerk Basil Daniels, Minister of Local Government the Hon. Rose Leon and Arthur Leon.

Part of the large crowd which attended the Centenary Anniversary celebrations marking Kingston as the capital of Jamaica, which was held at the National Stadium, is seen standing at the playing of the National Anthem. Some of the performers are seen in the foreground.

A float of the cross, clock tower and the stained glass windows, depicting the closeness of the churches in the country to the city on it way down Arthur Wint Drive during the parade on November 11.

A float with armorial bearings of the city of Kingston entering the National Stadium on November 10, at the Grand Spectacular, highlighting the centenary celebrations of Kingston as Jamaica’s capital.

Drummers of the African group performing.