"Of course I remember it!" a joyful Evett Williams exclaims, speaking about Independence Day, 1962. The day holds special significance for her because it was the day she had her first boy, Donavan Williams.

"I remember they were showing fireworks by the national stadium, jubilee. So I went outside to look at them, and while I was sitting, I started feeling the pain, and let me tell you, it was really jubilee that night!" she laughs, recalling the chaos that surrounded Donavan's birth.

Excitement

"I was so glad, so excited. First boy!" Williams would go on to have two more boys and three girls.

He was the first boy born after independence, something Williams happily shares. "He was featured in The Gleaner years ago! Had his picture in it," she recalls proudly. "And he's been lucky all his life," Williams states, explaining that her son is now a mechanic with two children.

Speaking about Jamaica gaining independence, Williams did not hesitate. "Of course it was a good thing. I mean ... things kind of get rough now, but back then it was much easier." She recalls raising her six children as being somewhat difficult back then, yes, because she did not have a lot of money. But she says there was more discipline, children were more loving and the family was more important than now.

"Now, I don't know what's happened. Still, it was a good thing. A very happy time for us."