On 19th June, 1961 His Highness The Amir, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Salem, signed Kuwait’s declaration of independence. With the stroke of a pen His Highness brought to end a period of British protection that had run since the reign of Sheikh Mubarak The Great in 1899.
Whilst the reasons for agreeing to exist under a state of British protection were valid in 1899, Kuwait had changed dramatically over the intervening years, and only through resuming full independence would the nation be able to grow in stature and strength.
The ending of the agreement between Britain and Kuwait was amicable. It set in train the full blossoming of Kuwait as fully independent state.
Following Kuwait’s independence the first political cabinet was formed on 17th January, 1962 and Ministries created.
This led to the issuance of Kuwait’s constitution in 1962. Issued on 8th November it set out the principles for the ruling of Kuwait in 5 parts and through 183 articles. On 11th November 1962 His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah approved and signed the constitution. It remains at the heart of Kuwait’s legislation to this day.
First published in Men's Passion issue #32 June-July-August 2011
