This day in 1962

JAMAICA's historical landscape is littered with dates which have shaped the terrain as well as the future of the country's diverse inhabitants.

These events range from catastrophic to euphoric with no shortage of recollection whenever the various milestones are mentioned.

From earthquakes, hurricanes and fires to Olympic glory and Independence, The Gleaner started chronicling Jamaica's roller-coaster history ride in 1834, and has had a front-row seat at every major event since.

With 2012 marking Jamaica's 50th year of Independence from Great Britain, The Gleaner continues to share events which made the news, this day, in 1962.

Gov't curbs melon imports

Importation of fresh and chilled watermelons into the island was placed on specific licence Monday. This means that no melon can come into Jamaica unless permission is granted by the Trade Board. Decision to impose the curb was made by Minister of Trade and Industry, Robert Lightbourne and published in a supplement of the Jamaica Gazette issued yesterday.

It followed closely a report in The Gleaner on Monday that locally produced melons were facing stiff competition from imported stocks at a time when the house crop was at peak.

Hotels and currency conference today

Matters affecting Jamaica's tourist industry will be discussed by representatives of the industry with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Hon Robert Lightbourne, at the Sheraton-Kingston Hotel, this afternoon, beginning at 2:30.

This is a continuation of the meeting held last week Thursday at the same venue. It had been set for yesterday, but was further postponed. Among matters to be discussed are the use of Jamaican currency by hotels and other tourist operations in rendering bills; legalised gambling; the Hotels Aid Law; touts and beggars; public utilities (telephone, water, electricity).

Arnett jests Sangster about Vale Royal

Vernon Arnett, MP for Central St Andrew, yesterday poked fun at the Donald Sangster, leader of the house and minister of finance, about his occupancy of Vale Royal, the prime minister's official residence, which the prime minister had once promised to turn into a maternity home.

Beginning his address in the debate on the Ministry of Local Government, Arnett said: " Mr Speaker, I must commend the minister of finance for his devotion to duty. Despite his interesting and delicate condition, he has left Vale Royal to come to this House and do his business. I can only hope that his stay at Vale Royal will be productive, as the whole situation is pregnant with politics".

House backs Gov't on European Common Market

The House of Representatives passed the resolution moved last week by the minister of trade and industry, endorsing the Government's action in exploring the implications of the European Common Market (ECM) and the desirability of Jamaica joining as an associate member if Britain finally decided to join the ECM.

When the time came for the voting on the measure, Burnett Coke called for a division, which resulted in a 28-nil vote in favour, with Mrs Iris King and Ernest Peart declining to vote.