Sir Kenneth Blackburne had an impressive international record. He served in several countries all over the world in different capacities. It is believed that he will bring a wealth of knowledge to his new post.

Published Thursday, October 31, 1957

JAMAICA’S NEW GOVERNOR

-Sir Kenneth Blackburne succeeds Sir Hugh

-Taking up of appointment date to be announced

It is announced that Her Majesty the Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Sir Kenneth Blackbourne, KCMG, OBE, formerly governor and commander-in-chief of the Leeward Islands, to be captain general and governor-in-chief of Jamaica.

Sir Kenneth succeeds Sir Hugh Foot, GCMG, KCVO, OBE, whose appointment as governor and commander-in-chief of Cyprus was announced on October 22.

An announcement of the date on which Sir Kenneth will take up his new appointment will be made later, said a release from King's House yesterday.

Sir Kenneth was recently appointed chairman of the Joint Commission to examine the West Indies for the Federal capital site. Both himself and Lady Blackburne have visited Jamaica.

Sir Kenneth Blackburne was born on December 12, 1907, the elder son of the Rev Harry W. Blackburne, DSO, MC, late dean of Bristol. Educated at Marlborough and Clare College, Cambridge (BA 1929), he entered the Colonial Administrative Service as assistant district officer, Nigeria in 1930.

Palestine Post

Promoted assistant district commissioner of Nazareth, Palestine, in 1935, he acted as district commissioner of Galilee from May to September 1938. Later that year he went to the Colonial Office as principal.

In 1941 he was appointed colonial decretary of Gambia, and from 1943-47 he served as administrative secretary to the comptroller for development and welfare in the West Indies, acting as comptroller in 1941 and 1946.

Sir Kenneth returned to the Colonial Office as director of information services in 1947. In 1950, he was promoted governor of the Leeward Islands, retiring from the position last year.

He was made OBE, 1939, CMG 1946 and KCMG, 1952. In the latter year, he was also made a Knight of St John of Jerusalem.

In 1935 Sir Kenneth married Bridget Senhouse Constant, daughter of the late James Mackay Wilson, deputy lieutenant of Curycrane, Co Langford. They shared two children, a son (Martin Andrew) and a daughter (Jean Alice).

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.