JNHT Urges Jamaicans to Honour Sir Alexander Bustamante’s Legacy

Executive Director of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), Leslie Harrow, is urging Jamaicans to honour the legacy of National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante, by upholding the enduring values of justice, fairness, and national pride for which he fought.

He made the call during a commemorative ceremony held on Tuesday (February 24) in Blenheim, Hanover, marking the 142nd anniversary of Sir Alexander’s birth.

“As we celebrate his life and legacy as a leader, an activist, prolific writer, trade unionist, National Hero, and a son of Blenheim, Hanover, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to justice, freedom, and the empowerment of the Jamaican people,” Mr. Harrow said.

He noted that Sir Alexander’s steadfast advocacy for the working class profoundly reshaped Jamaica’s socio political landscape.

“His fearless advocacy for fair wages, equitable treatment, and improved labour conditions ignited lasting change,” Mr. Harrow added.

Quoting the National Hero, he reminded the attendees of Sir Alexander’s enduring charge to the citizens: “Be not afraid; do your duty towards your countrymen, towards humanity.”

Mr. Harrow also reaffirmed the JNHT’s commitment to preserving Blenheim – Sir Alexander’s birthplace – which continues to serve as a designated heritage site and an educational centre for visitors, especially students.

For his part, Custos Rotulorum of Hanover, Hon. Lennox Anderson Jackson, through a message delivered by Justice of the Peace, Sandrene Hill Sherwood, hailed Sir Alexander as “a proud Hanoverian, and one of Jamaica’s revered National Heroes”, who served parish and country “with humility, dignity, courage, and unwavering dedication until his passing in 1977”.

The Custos emphasised that Sir Alexander’s leadership during Jamaica’s struggle for self-determination was “both bold and pivotal, leaving a transformative and lasting imprint on the social and political fabric of the nation”.

“His stewardship during those formative years helped to solidify Jamaica’s democratic foundation and chart a course towards stability and progress,” the message stated.

Highlighting Sir Alexander’s pivotal role in advancing workers’ rights, Mr. Jackson underscored that his tireless efforts laid the foundation for social reform and economic justice in Jamaica.

Sir Alexander Bustamante was born in Blenheim, Hanover, on February 24, 1884. A fearless champion of workers’ rights, he founded the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) in 1938 and later established the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in 1943.

Upon Jamaica’s attainment of Independence in 1962, he became the nation’s first Prime Minister.

Widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern Jamaica, Sir Alexander played a pivotal role in advancing democratic governance and securing improved labour conditions across the island.

Tuesday’s ceremony formed part of the annual observances honouring the life and enduring legacy of the National Hero, whose remarkable contributions continue to shape Jamaica’s progress and development.