Vivette Gray-Thomas proud to be a part of Independence
BUFF BAY, Portland — Vivette Gray-Thomas proudly held her 1962 Jamaica Independence cup, as she recalled her experience as a nine-year-old when Jamaica became an independent country.
“It was a wonderful day for us; I was nine years old and all of us children prepared for this special day.
“I was going to primary school at the time or, as it was called then, elementary school. And I also, with great pride, remember the preparations for the big day — Independence Day.
“I used to do square dancing and I prepared myself to dance for the Governor General, and I am speaking about our, Jamaica’s, first Governor General.
“It was a wonderful feeling, and even now, 55 years later, it is as if I am reliving the whole thing. It has not left my memory as I am speaking to you right now,” a smiling Gray-Thomas said while gearing up to share more of her memories.
An emotional Gray-Thomas then said she was honoured and “over the moon” as she remembered the activities surrounding Independence, and at being in the unique position now to pass on these memories, especially to those who were not around at the very time when Jamaica gained Independence.
“You could see the boys and girls lining up in line, because in those days you had the floats, fireworks, and all of that, and everyone wanted to see the fireworks and the floats; they were fun and new to us. It was really exciting.
“Then parents allowed their children to go out and enjoy themselves. We celebrated that day and we did the square dance and went to every nook and cranny in Portland on little trucks that were well decorated with palm trees and all of that, plus the queen of the parish was always around and, of course, they fed us — some good food as well — and that was nice.
“I can never forget the maypole dance and the square dance, they were joyful. It was a day that we looked forward to and it’s one that, as long as I live, I will never forget. Independence Day, that first day, happens only once, suh dat is history.
“I got this cup and all the children got cups as well. There were crockery ones and the smaller children got this cup, this one right here which I am showing you right now.
“I am now 64 years old and I still treasure my cup. I treasure the day; it was a wonderful day for us. I got to meet the Governor General Sir Clifford Campbell, and I went to the National Stadium. I still go there every year to celebrate Independence. Then we had the street dance, and dat did nice.
“For me, Independence was and is still special, and to be a part of it — even though I was so young — makes it much better,” the Portlander recalled.