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From the pages of Jamaican history

Opening of the Palisadoes Airport – July 1961

Published:Sunday | August 16, 2020 | 12:19 AM
A section of the large gathering that attended the official opening of the new Palisadoes Airport on July 27, 1961. In the background is part of the terminal building showing the control tower and administrative offices.
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A section of the large gathering that attended the official opening of the new Palisadoes Airport on July 27, 1961. In the background is part of the terminal building showing the control tower and administrative offices.

The Palisadoes Airport was considered the biggest single Government project to be completed in Jamaica in 1961. A feature of this terminal building was that it was constructed by a local firm, headed by Contractor A.D. Scott.

Built at a cost of roughly £750,000 and described as a “symbol of Jamaica’s faith in her own future”, the airport was officially opened by Chief Minister Norman Manley on July 27, 1961. Over 3,000 visitors representing Jamaica’s leading personalities as well as the general public made themselves comfortable on the tarmac area for its opening.

Manley, in his opening remarks, pointed out the significance of the airport as heralding an improved tourist traffic that would pass through Kingston and filter down through the Eastern Caribbean. Here are some of the photographic highlights of the momentous occasion from The Gleaner Archives.

Photos compiled by Ahon Gray, senior researcher. 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.