This is an authentic reproduction of an INVITATION CIRCULAR LETTER sent out on 21st. November, 1917 by Sir Arthur W. Farquharson inviting persons to a meeting on December 19th. 1917. Date to discuss the terms of a draft of the constitution and rules of an Association to be formed for the objects indicated in this circular. At this meeting the decision was taken to form the JAMAICA IMPERIAL ASSOCIATION  which later changed its name to the FARQUHARSON INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

  THE CIRCULAR
  There is perhaps no feature of life in Jamaica that strikes a thoughtful observer more forcibly than the apparent apathy and lack of interest in public affairs.
This indifference is perhaps more apparent than real.

  Considerable discussion takes place from time to time, but for lack of some machinery whereby discussion may be led into definite channels and whereby opinions may be crystallized and put into a concrete form, the consideration of questions of the greatest importance seldom gets beyond the stage of general discussion. Institutions such as the Jamaica Agricultural Society and the Chamber of Commerce undoubtedly perform useful functions, but their suitability for the particular purpose under consideration is limited.

  The Jamaica Agricultural Society is perhaps the most useful educational institution in the island, and is by degrees producing a revolution in agricultural practice, particularly among the smaller cultivators; but it is an institution which is supported by Government grant, and its Board of Management is presided over by the Governor. It does not therefore offer the best medium for the discussion of questions of public importance.

  The Chamber of Commerce is mainly concerned with matters that affect the commercial community. Planters Associations are practically non-existent.

  There would appear therefore to be ample scope for an institution the functions of which would be to consider, discuss and deal with any question affecting the economic, social, agricultural and industrial welfare and development of the island. Sane, temperate discussion with a view to appropriate action on any such questions could not fail to be productive of beneficial results.

  It is obvious that if an association of the kind were linked up with other important Associations having similar objects in view in respect of the Empire generally, or in respect of that portion of it of which Jamaica forms a part, its influence and practical usefulness should be greatly increased.

  The driving force resulting from the sympathetic and active support of such institutions would raise the initiative of the local institution to a power far higher than could possibly attained by its unaided efforts. Fortunately there are such institutions in existence.

  The West India Committee an association of representatives of the West Indies, founded in 1760 and since incorporated by Royal Charter, has by its beneficent activities earned for itself the well deserved reputation as the watchful; guardian and champion of the interests and rights of the West Indies, British Guiana and British Honduras, it's aim being to use every possible means to induce a healthy development of the resources of the Colonies in question.

  The Royal Colonial Institute, an organization which has been in existence for half a century, the main objective of which is the promotion of Imperial unity and strength.

  The British Empire Producers Organization, an association representing capital close on one thousand million pounds, has as its special objective the linking together and giving force and direction to every effort throughout the Empire which aims at the development of each and every part of the Empire.

  The combination of existing conditions appears to clearly indicate the feasibility and desirability of forming a strong local institution, the beneficial results of which it is believed might be incalculable.

  There are grave questions confronting us which demand thoughtful and earnest consideration from all who have at heart the welfare of the island, with which is bound up the interest of each and all of us. Merchants, traders, professional men, land owners, labourers, are all deeply concerned in a sane and equitable adjustment which will further the development of our rich resources in order that we may play a worthy part in the process of Empire building.

  Your attendance is invited at a meeting to be held to consider and discuss the terms of a draft of the constitution and rules of an Association to be formed for the objects indicated in this circular.

A.W. Farquharson, Secretary pro tem (21st. November, 1917) Kingston, Jamaica, W.I.

.... and so the FARQUHARSON INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
had it's beginning … in 1917

Objectives of founding fathers:
The objects for which the Institute was established are to:-

a. Support the objects of and to work in concert with all Institutions and Bodies of Commonwealth with the special object of ensuring that Jamaica shall play a worthy part in the consolidation and development of the Commonwealth.
b. Consider, debate and deal with all matters which may affect the economic, social, agricultural, industrial or commercial welfare of Jamaica or any part thereof.
c. Create and foster a sound public opinion in connection with such matters.
d. Represent in view of the Institute to the Government of Jamaica or Great Britain or to any Government or other Public Bodies in any part of the Commonwealth.
e. Appoint or nominate suitable persons to act in Jamaica or abroad on Committees and Commissions and at Conferences and/or as representatives at Meetings dealing with matters of the advancement of the objects of the Institute.
f. Negotiate with the Government of Jamaica, Great Britain and the Commonwealth and other Authorities on all matters relating to the objects of the Institute and to watch legislation and local administration of Laws and/or Regulations affecting the same and to take any such action in this regard either independently or in conjunction with others.
g. Work in concert with and secure the co-operation and support of any institution or organisation in advancing the views of the Institute.
h. Do all such other things as are in the opinion of the Institute necessary, proper or advisable for the advancement generally of the interests of the Island or which are incidental or conducive to the attainment of any of the above objects.

The Hon. MAY FARQUHARSON

PHILANTHROPIST, May Farquharson, was the daughter of Sir Arthur Farquharson, a distinguished Jamaican lawyer and agriculturalist. She herself was an outstanding social worker who worked for the upliftment of women.

Miss Farquharson, who died in 1992, was awarded the Order of Jamaica for her work in the fields of family planning and social welfare. She was a member of the Manley Committee, appointed after the 1938 riots to formulate plans for Old Age Pensions. Miss May continued making representations to the government for a pension scheme similar to the Beveridge Plan of the UK, to care for people " from the cradle to the grave". Eventually, She lobbied successfully and the Hon. L.G. Newland, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, introduced the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) in 1972.

The Jamaica birth Control League was formed by May Farquharson, Amy Bailey, Dr. Hyacinth Lightbourne, Norman W. Manley, Dr. Roy Levy, Sam Hart and other leaders in support of regulating Jamaica's high rate of population growth. The Jamaica Birth Control League established the first family planning centre in Jamaica, through the efforts of Miss May and her colleague, Miss Amy Bailey, supported by an unexpected source of income - a cess of one farthing from on every bunch of bananas shipped out of Jamaica, given by the Hon. N. W. Manley. The League later developed into the Jamaica family Planning Association, which became internationally famous.

Farquharson House, situated at 8 Caledonia Avenue, Cross Roads, St. Andrew, was established by Miss May to provide a home for poor gentlewomen and in 1956 she handed over the administration to the Anglican Church (Diocese of Jamaica) with an endowment of Ten Thousand Pound Sterling, as she wanted to ensure its continuation after her death.

In 1980, after a wing of the building was razed by fire killing one of the residents, Miss May donated money to carry out some reconstruction making, making the place habitable once more.

She was a philanthropist as long as she lived, no doubt influenced by her father, who was an outstanding philanthropist establishing, among many other organizations, the Imperial Association of Jamaica now known as the Farquharson Institute of Public Affairs.

The work of Miss May and her colleague, Miss Amy, was commemorated in a video, entitled "Miss Amy and Miss May" produced by Cynthia Wilmot for the Sistren Collective, Honor Forde-Smith playing the role of Miss May. The Grace Kennedy Foundation was one of the organizations which provided funding support for this effort, which was completed before Miss May Died in 1992. A small book of her poems, published by the Farquharson Institute of Public Affairs, is available from the Institute's office.

Item from The Gleaner,. Published on Sunday July 22, 2001 and amended by reference to other sources * by Marjorie Humphries.

MH/August 2001
*Farquharson, May ; "A Collection of Poems", published by the Farquharson Institute of Public Affairs - 1992 ISBN 976-610-049-7

Certificate of Incorporation