Gambia Independence Act 1964 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to make provision for, and in connection with, the attainment by The Gambia of fully responsible status within the Commonwealth. |
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| Citation | 1964 c. 93 |
| Introduced by | Anthony Greenwood |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 17 December 1964 |
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Status: Current legislation
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| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Revised text of statute as amended | |
The Gambia Independence Act 1964 was a special law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. This Act made The Gambia an independent country. It officially happened on 18 February 1965.
Before this Act, The Gambia was under British rule. Becoming independent meant The Gambia could make its own laws and decisions. The Act also allowed people in The Gambia to appeal court decisions to a special British court called the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. However, The Gambia later changed its own laws. In 1998, it decided to stop using the Privy Council. This meant The Gambia's own courts became the final decision-makers.
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The Gambia Becomes Independent
The Gambia Independence Act 1964 was a very important step. It marked the end of British colonial rule in The Gambia. This law gave The Gambia full control over its own future. It became a self-governing nation within the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth is a group of countries that used to be part of the British Empire. They now work together as independent nations.
Planning for Independence
Before The Gambia became independent, leaders from both countries met. This meeting was called the Marlborough House conference. It happened on 23 July 1964. The goal was to plan how The Gambia would become an independent country.
The conference took place at Marlborough House in London. Important people from The Gambia and the United Kingdom attended. They discussed how The Gambia would manage its own affairs. They also talked about how Britain might help The Gambia financially.
Who Attended the Conference?
The conference had two main groups of attendees. One group was from The Gambia. The other group was from the United Kingdom. They all worked together to plan The Gambia's independence.
Gambian Representatives
The Gambian team was led by their Prime Minister, Dawda Jawara. He was a key leader for The Gambia. Other important people from The Gambia also attended. They included ministers and other officials.
Here are some of the Gambian representatives:
- Dawda Jawara, Prime Minister of The Gambia
- Sheriff Sekouba Sisay, Minister of Finance
- Sheriff Mustapha Dibba
- Alieu Badara Njie, Minister of Works and Communication
- Amang Kanyi, Minister of Agriculture
- Seyfo Omar Mbakeh
- Kalilu Singhateh
- Famara Wassa Touray
- Paul L. Baldeh
- Pierre Sarr N'Jie
- I. A. S. Burang John
- Kebba W. Foon
- I.M. Garba-Jahumpa
- Philip Bridges, Attorney General of The Gambia
- F. D. C. Williams
- K. J. W. Lane
- Rev. J. C. Faye
- Sir John Paul, Governor of The Gambia
British Representatives
The British team was led by Duncan Sandys. He was the Secretary of State for the Colonies. This role meant he was in charge of Britain's colonies. He discussed how Britain would support The Gambia as it became independent.
Here are some of the British representatives:
- Marquess of Lansdowne
- Sir John Martin
- J. M. Kirsch
- H. Steel
- R. G. Pettitt
