1962, Jan. 15. 2001. The Encyclopedia of World History

The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001.


1962, Jan. 15

The People's National Movement announced that the colony of Trinidad and Tobago would seek independence outside the West Indies Federation.	1

Feb. 6

The British government announced its decision to dissolve the West Indies Federation in view of the recent withdrawals.	2

April 10

Legislative elections in Jamaica gave Sir Alexander Bustamente's Labor Party a majority. He took office as premier on April 24.	3

May 24

Eight small colonies in the West Indies announced plans for a new federation without Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago.	4

Aug. 6

Jamaica became an independent dominion within the British Commonwealth.	5

Aug. 31

The independence of Trinidad and Tobago within the Commonwealth was celebrated under its first prime minister, the noted historian ERIC WILLIAMS (1911–81). Originally a sugar exporter, over the next 20 years Trinidad and Tobago developed into an important oil-refining nation and the economic center of the British Caribbean.	6


The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.