1 For the first time in history, Jamaican Carol Joan Crawford, the shortest competitor in the 1963 Miss World Pageant, copped the title and won over 39 other girls from all parts of the world.

2 On November 10, 1963, Marcus Garvey’s body was returned to Jamaica. The following day he was declared the first National Hero. He is buried in the Marcus Garvey Memorial in King George VI Memorial Park, (now Heroes Park) Kingston, Jamaica.

3 Bob Marley & The Wailers, a Jamaican reggae, ska and rock steady band, was formed by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer in 1963.

4 Hurricane Flora, the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes in recorded history had a death total of over 7,000 and caused damages to the island that totalled $11.9 million (1963 dollars).

5 On February 10, 1963, the House of Representatives approved a Resolution for the construction of a residence for the Prime Minister of Jamaica at a cost of Fifty Five Thousand Pounds (£55,000 or J$110,000), which is now located at 6 Hope Road, Kingston 6.

6 Jamaica became a member of the International Monetary Fund on February 21, 1963.

7 In the Cricket Regional Tournament of 1963, Jamaica played against British Guiana. British Guiana won by an inning and 61 runs.

8 April 11, 1963 gave birth to ‘Black Friday’, where a group of Rastafarians were wrongfully accused of launching a Holy Thursday rampage that left eight men, including two policemen, dead.

9 In 1963, the latest dance craze was the ska, which was demonstrated by Byron Lee and The Dragoinaires, with shared vocal duties by Keith Lynn and Ken Lazarus.

10 On March 11, 1963, The Hon Donald Sangster was appointed Deputy Prime Minister.

— Compiled by Shantayae Grant