December 1, 1962  - February 28, 1973

Sir Clifford Campbell, O.N., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., was the first Jamaican Governor-General of Jamaica. He was born in Petersfield, Westmoreland, on June 28, 1892, to James Campbell, a Civil Servant, and Blanche Ruddock. His educational journey began at Petersfield Elementary School (1901-1912) and continued at Mico Training College (1913-1915).

Teaching Career: Post his graduation from Mico, he initiated his profession as the Headmaster at Fullersfield Government School (1916-1918). His tenure as a headmaster continued at Friendship Elementary School for a decade, post which he took on the role of Principal at Grange Hill Government School (1928-1944).

Marriage: On August 1, 1920, Sir Clifford wed Alice Estephene Jolly, daughter of planter William Jolly and Francis Davis. Together, they had four children: Dr. Winston Campbell, Newton Campbell, Mrs. Myrtle Mason (barrister), and Mrs. Clair Keane (B.A.). The Campbell family practiced Anglicanism.

Political Career: Entering politics in 1944, Sir Clifford, representing the Jamaica Labour Party, secured the Westmoreland Western seat in the House of Representatives in the first Universal Adult Suffrage elections, holding the position till 1949. From 1945-1949, he chaired the House Committee on Education and from 1945-1954, served as the Vice-President of the Elected Members’ Association. His political ascent saw him become the Speaker of the House in 1950, and by 1962, he took up the role of the President of the Senate. His significant appointment came post Jamaica’s independence in 1962 when Queen Elizabeth II designated him as the Governor-General of Jamaica, succeeding Sir Kenneth Blackburne. His commendable service was recognized with the Knight Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George (G.C.M.G.) and the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (G.C.V.O.).

Areas of Service: Beyond teaching and politics, Sir Clifford was passionate about music, painting, and community service. He was associated with various committees and boards including the Manchester Committee of the Western Federation of Teachers, the Board of Education (1944-1945), Westmoreland School Board, ISSA Scholarship Award Committee (1945), and the delegation for Jamaican farm workers’ conditions investigation in the U.S.A. (1945), among others.

Moreover, he was a Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society, helmed roles such as the President of the Jamaica Flying Club and the Jamaica National Choral and Orchestral Society, and was a Grand Patron of the Jamaica Legion. His patronage extended to organizations including Boys’ Town, the Jamaica Agricultural Society, the Jamaica Football Federation, and the Jamaica Cancer Society.