JAMAICA’S FUTURE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29626, 23 September 1961, Page 15

JAMAICA’S FUTURE

Independence Wanted Soon

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) KINGSTON (Jamaica), Sept. 21

The Premier of Jamaica (Mr N. Manley) said last evening that he would ask the British Colonial Secretary (Mr Macleod) to receive a Jamaican Government delegation to set the earliest possible date for Jamaican independence. In a statement issued after an emergency meeting of the Jamaican Cabinet, Mr Manley said the delegation would also report on the results of Tuesday’s referendum, in which the people voted to leave the West Indies Federation.

Mr Manley said it was hoped it would be possible for the delegation to leave for London next week. The Federal Prime Minister (Sir Grantley Adams) is also expected to fly to London within a week for talks with Mr Macmillan and Mr Macleod on the referendum result. The Jamaican Premier said it had been agreed that a General Election would be Held before Independence Day so that the Jamaican people could decide on the form of government they wished to have with independence. Majority Of 35,000

Results in the referendum showed 251,776 in favour of withdrawal from the West Indies Federation, with 216.371 against, American Associated Press reported.

Secession will allow Jamaica to seek membership as an independent nation within the British Commonwealth.

The rest of the West Indies is due to become independent on May 31 next year, the agency said. This includes Trinidad, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Dominica, Antigua, and Montserrat.

Jamaica’s 1,700.000 people comprise about 56 per cent, of the present federation’s population.

Actor’s Will.— The actor, Leo Carrillo, left the bulk of his 657.747-dollar estate to his foster daughter, Marie, it was revealed yesterday, when his will was filed for probate in the Superior Court. —Los Angeles, September 21.