His Lordship, the Rt Rev Percival Gibson, Anglican Bishop of Jamaica, officially blessed and opened the prime minister’s residence on September 8, 1964, in a ceremony attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries. Bishop Gibson led prayers for the Prime Minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante, and Lady Bustamante, invoking God’s protection over the home and its occupants before formally declaring the residence open and inviting guests to tour the newly completed building.

Published Wednesday, September 8, 1964

PM’s residence officially opened, dedicated

The prime minister's official residence was blessed and formally opened by His Lordship, the Anglican Bishop of Jamaica, the Rt Rev Percival Gibson, yesterday afternoon.

Ministers of religion, ministers of state, members of both houses of Parliament, government officials, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, and other prominent citizens witnessed the simple ceremony from the lawns at the southeastern end of the building.

Seated on the porch of the main door were the Governor-General, Sir Clifford Campbell, and Lady Campbell; the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Sir Alexander Bustamante, and Lady Bustamante; the Very Rev W. A. Connolly, S.J.; the Rev J. A. Leo-Rhynie, chairman of the Jamaican Christian Council; the Rev Fr Charles Juda, S.J.; the Rev Fr James Barry, S.J.; the Rev Fr Stanley Shearer; and the Rev Sydney Judah, S.J.

Welcoming the guests, Mr A. D. Soutar, personal assistant to the prime minister, who was master of ceremonies, said that it was the wish of the prime minister and Lady Bustamante that the ceremony be unostentatious. He added that it was fitting that the representatives of Church and State, as well as the builders and decorators, join them in celebrating, in time-honoured custom, the culmination of their efforts to provide the official residence for the prime ministers of Jamaica and in the invocation and blessing of the premises and those who occupied them.

He said that, in other places, the history of the coming into being of dwellings of this kind had been publicised. It was appropriate, however, on this occasion, that there should be a special word of appreciation and thanks to the surveyors, designers, builders, decorators, and the “army” of others associated with the erection of “this imposing residence of the heads of government”.
Mr Connolly then said prayers, asking God's blessing on the new residence, on those who live and work there, and on those who go there as guests of the prime minister of Jamaica. He also prayed for God's unbounded mercy on "our brethren and fellow citizens of Jamaica, that they will be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Your holy laws ... ." Prayers were also said by the Rev Mr Leo Rhynie, who thanked God "for the prime minister and Lady Bustamante, for the work and service for which Thou hast chosen them, and the happiness and joy Thou hast given them".

He finally beseeched the Almighty: "Let this house be precious to them, and may Thy redeeming presence preserve Thy servants from sickness and anxiety."

God’s blessing
Bishop Gibson then invited the assembly to join him in the Lord's Prayer, after which he prayed: "May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be upon this nation, upon this dwelling, and upon those who abide therein this day and forever."
Turning the knob of the main door, His Lordship declared: "I have much pleasure in formally declaring this building open."

The ceremony completed, the guests were invited to inspect the building. Sir Alexander and Lady Bustamante positioned themselves inside the doorway and shook hands with each guest as he or she entered. Following the inspection, refreshments were served by the pool.

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