Sir Alexander Bustamante

.... was born William Alexander Clarke on February 24, 1884, in the tiny district of Blenheim in the parish of Hanover. In 1944, he changed his name by deed poll to Alexander Bustamante, and this website looks in detail at the man Bustamante, who would later become the first Prime Minister of an independent Jamaica, and a national hero as well. He died on August 6, 1977 at the age of 93.

The Early Years ... As a youngster, Bustamante attend elementary school in the districts of Cacoon and Dalmalley in Hanover. He grew up and spent his adolescence as a country boy in a rugged, hilly, isolated community. As a teenager, he had his own horse, and naturally, one of his major recreational activities was ... more

Champion of the working class ... by 1935, Bustamante's focus was on unemployment and the terrible pay and working conditions facing Jamaica's poor and working class. Thus, he became known as the 'champion of the working class', a man who was not afraid to speak out against English colonial rule ... more

The Jamaica Labour Party ... In July 1943, Bustamante formally launched the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which some say was merely a political label for his Bustamante Industrial Trades Union ... more

Accomplishments ... some of Alexander Bustamante's accoomplishments ... more

Quotes ... a few of his numerous outstanding quotes ... more

DID YOU KNOW ... that Sir Alexander Bustamante was the only Jamaican to be declared a national hero while still alive. In 1970 he was declared one of Jamaica's national heroes. He was 93 years old when he died on August 6, 1977.