Sir Clifford Campbell

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception

Sir Clifford Campbell 1892-1991

 

On November 27, 1962, while still President of the Senate, Clifford Campbell greeted the news of his appointment as Governor General with the words:- "I shall maintain that humility in which state I came into the world, in which state I have lived among the human element and in which state I hope to die - with a spirit of humility and respect for my fellowmen."

This year is the 50th anniversary of the appointment and subsequent installation of Jamaica's first native Governor General, Sir Clifford Clarence Campbell, ON, GCMG, GCVO.

Sir Clifford was born on June 28, 1892 in Petersfield, Westmoreland to James Campbell, a civil servant, and his wife Blanche. On August 4, 1920, he married Alice Estephene Jolly, and had two sons, Winston and Newton and two daughters, Clare and Myrtle. 

 

From 1901-1907 young Clifford was educated at Petersfield Elementary School and attended Mico Teacher's Training College from 1913-15 and in his early twenties, Clifford Campbell returned to his native parish where he began a period of service to education. 

 

As Governor General, Sir Clifford was patron for many groups including the Boys Scouts, the Boys and Girls Brigades, the Jamaica Youth Club Council and a host of others. His hobbies included gardening, swimming, motoring and reading.