1961 – Jamaican Delegation Meets with British Officials

On May 17, 1961, a Jamaican delegation held crucial talks with British officials in London to finalize terms for Jamaica’s independence. These negotiations laid the groundwork for the nation\’s eventual independence on August 6, 1962. The May 17 meeting signified a key moment when Black Caribbean leadership actively engaged in shaping a post-colonial future. The delegation, which included Norman Manley and other leaders, demonstrated political savvy and a clear vision for a sovereign Jamaica. This event is important in Black international history as it shows the strategic diplomacy behind decolonization. It also reminds us that independence was not simply won on the battlefield, but also negotiated in halls of power. May 17 represents the intellectual and political labor of Caribbean leaders building their nation\’s future.