Jamaica left the Federation of the West Indies on February 9, 1962, gaining full independence after almost 300 years of British rule.

A Historical Newspaper Perspective

"There can seldom have been a conference that has been so completely successful," reported The Gleaner, Jamaica's flagship newspaper, on February 10, 1962. "That was the feeling here in London at Lancaster House this morning as the Jamaica delegation signed with the United Kingdom the agreement which will make Jamaica an Independent nation as from August 6 this year."

"And those were the exact words used by Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Rt. Hon. Reginald Maudling as he gave the speech of congratulation at Lancaster House this morning, and wished the people of Jamaica all possible success and fortune in the future."