On February 2, the Belco strike took place with many repercussions. The local military and Bermuda Reserve Constabulary were embodied. Kenneth Paul, Kerwin Ratteray, Vivian Ming and George DeSilva were jailed while BIU General Secretary Dr. Barbara Ball was found not guilty. Several staff were made redundant, 14 were fined.

The Bermuda Regiment formed by the amalgamation of the white Bermuda Rifles and the Black Bermuda Militia. In November, Princess Margaret visited to present the Colours of the Regiment.

Mrs. Ruth Seaton James became the Registrar General. This made her the first black and woman to head a Government department.

Howard Academy had Government funding withdrawn and was closed. Government also withdrew funding for racially segregated schools.