Mon | Sep 16, 2024
The Classics

Photo Flashback: Independence gifts to Jamaica (1962)

Published:Friday | September 6, 2024 | 5:38 AM
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The President of the United States of America's gift of a silver desk set and autographed copies of his books are in the forefront. Immediately behind are 72 crystal drinking glasses sent by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Clockwise – Silver salver from the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland; Ivory Statuette of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy from the Republic of China; shield bearing the Coat of Arms of Bermuda from the Order of Odd Fellows of that country; silver desk set from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government; and wooden trinket box, inlaid with scales of the Paua fish from New Zealand.
ALL GOLD – Sheaffer pen and pencil set from Texaco Inc (left), Bulova Accutron watch from the US Vice President (right) and medallion of Aztec design, inlaid with turquoise, from the Mexico Olympic Committee (centre front).
Government gift from Australia to Jamaica – an oil painting, "Afternoon in the Valley", by Robert Johnson. leading Australian painter. On either side of the picture are editions of the writings and papers of Alexander Hamilton, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, which came from the US Government.
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Nations often give Independence gifts to Jamaica as a gesture of goodwill, solidarity, and diplomatic ties. These gifts symbolise mutual respect, celebrate Jamaica's sovereignty, and mark the nation's journey toward self-governance. They also strengthen international relationships, recognising Jamaica’s cultural significance and its contributions on the global stage.