Hanover Planning Memorable Celebration Of Sir Alexander Bustamante’s 138th Birthday

Stakeholders in Hanover are planning a memorable commemoration of the 138th anniversary of the birth of National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante.

The wreath-laying ceremony will be staged at Sir Alexander’s birthplace, Blenheim, on Thursday, February 24 starting 11:00 a.m.

The customary elaborate celebration for the parish’s most famous son has been scaled down due to coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols.

However, Chairman of the Hanover Municipal Corporation’s Civic and Community Affairs Committee and Deputy Mayor of Lucea, Councillor Andria Dehaney-Grant, told JIS News that this year’s activities are being organised within the parameters of the safety measures, and will be of greater significance, as they form part of the ‘Jamaica 60’ Independence celebrations.

Councillor Dehaney-Grant indicated that “we plan to stage a grand occasion considering that Sir Alexander Bustamante is [Independent Jamaica’s] first Prime Minister [and] is from our parish”.

“The Hanover Municipal Corporation (HMC) along with Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) will be doing everything in our power to ensure that everything is well put together,” she added.

The ceremony is being arranged to accommodate more participants while ensuring observance of physical-distancing protocols.

“Also, we will have an [improved] entertainment package, which will feature a [show] band as well as JCDC Festival award-winning cultural groups and individuals,” Councillor Dehaney-Grant further informed.

Heading the list of dignitaries expected to attend are Custos Rotulorum for Hanover, Hon. Dr. David Stair; Members of Parliament for Hanover Eastern and Western, Devon Brown and Tamika Davis, respectively, and councillors of the Corporation.

Representatives of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, which was founded by Sir Alexander, will also be in attendance.