The Rt Hon John Diefenbaker, prime minister of Canada, received a warm and formal welcome upon his arrival in Jamaica for his first visit to the island. Greeted at Palisadoes Airport by the Hon Norman Manley, QC, premier of Jamaica, and other dignitaries including the Hon Wills O. Isaacs, minister of trade and industry, the Canadian leader was accompanied by Senator W.R. Brunt. Members of the opposition, clergy, and Canadian trade representatives also joined the welcoming group. 

Published Saturday, January 7, 1961

Diefenbaker here for rest

Parries press queries on attitude to Cuba

Will hold talks with Cabinet during 8-day Stay

The Rt Hon John Diefenbaker, prime minister of Canada, arrived in Jamaica last night on his first visit to the island.

The Canadian leader, who was accompanied by Senator W.R. Brunt, will spend eight days in Jamaica, most of them at Frenchman’s Cove near Port Antonio.

“I have heard a lot about your salubrious climate,” he said last night on his arrival, “and I have come here to get a little rest in the sun.”

He added, “Of course, I hope to have a talk with your premier and other members of the Government, but I have come here for a rest.”

The 65-year-old Canadian prime minister, somewhat above average height, quiet in manner and voice, was met on arrival at the Palisadoes Airport and welcomed to Jamaica by the Premier, the Hon Norman Manley, QC, and the Hon Wills O. Isaacs, minister of trade and industry.

Other Welcomers
Also at Palisadoes to welcome Prime Minister Diefenbaker and Senator Brunt were Lieutenant Richard Carr, ADC at King’s House, representing His Excellency the Governor; Howard Campbell, Canadian trade commissioner in Jamaica, and Mrs Campbell; Clayton Bullis, assistant Canadian trade commissioner, and Mrs Bullis; Donald Sangster, deputy leader of the Opposition (who presented a welcome to Jamaica on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, Sir Alexander Bustamante); and the Rev M.E.W. Sawyers, chairman of the Baptist Union of Jamaica. Mr Diefenbaker is a Baptist.

Superintendent John Middleton and Deputy Superintendent Neville Ernandez of the Security Police were also present at the airport.

The prime minister chatted for a while with the premier and other members of the welcoming group and then left by Rolls-Royce limousine for Frenchman’s Cove directly from the airport tarmac.

Diefenbaker and Senator Brunt travelled from New York by BOAC plane, stopping at Montego Bay before coming on to Kingston. They will be joined on Sunday night by their wives and are scheduled to leave the island next weekend.

The prime minister parried questions asked at the airport by pressmen about Canada’s position in world affairs (the present Cuba situation was mentioned) and promised to give a press conference before he leaves.

He will return to Kingston from Frenchman’s Cove on Tuesday to make formal calls on the premier and on the governor at King’s House. He will also be a guest at a special luncheon party to be held at King’s House that day.

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