THIS DAY IN OUR PAST

The following events took place on January 21 in the years identified:

1964:

The main business of the sitting of the House of Representatives, the first regular one for the year, is the proceedings of the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act, which prescribes increased penalties for ganja smoking, cultivation and trafficking. The act passes the second reading on a strict party division, which is unusual from the fact that it is demanded by the ‘axes’.

1964:

Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante presents wings to two Jamaican newly qualified air pilots. This is the first time any Jamaican is qualified as a military pilot in Jamaica. The two pilots are R. J. Neish, who qualifies as a helicopter pilot, and V. G. A. Brown, who qualifies as a fixed wing aircraft pilot in the Jamaica Defence Force.

1971:

An Act to amend the Exchange Control Law, to control land transactions in Jamaica by companies controlled by non-residents is introduced in Parliament. First Reading was taken in the House of Representatives of the relevant Bill, which sought to amend the Law in order to make it clear that such transactions cannot be carried out without the consent of the Exchange Control Authority. Notice of Second Reading was given by Minister of Finance Edward Seaga, who is in charge of the Bill.

1988:

The Rev Dr Herbert Swaby, pastor of the Emmanuel United Church in Ocho Rios, St Ann states that the Jamaican society is inflicted with a rage which threatens the island’s further advancement. Speaking at the Annual National Prayer Breakfast, he further stated that Jamaica is bitterly divided and that there is a rage that threatens the life of Jamaica.