Ken Jones to Launch Book on Sir Alexander Bustamante

Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, will be the main speaker at the launch of the book titled: ‘Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes of National Hero, The Right Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante’, written by Author and Columnist, Ken Jones.
The launch will take place on Thursday, October 29 at King’s House starting at 6:00 p.m. The event will feature two short video presentations on the life of Bustamante, and stories told by persons, who knew him.
Additionally, there will be readings of letters that were written by Bustamante and published in the Gleaner during the 1930s. The letters, compiled by Producer/Writer, Trevor Nairne will be read by a group of graduates of the Edna Manley College School of the Performing Arts.
A book signing session will take place after the official function.
In an interview with JIS News, Mr. Jones said that the main reason for writing the book was to inform young people about the life and work of Bustamante and to clear up some of the misconceptions that persons might have of him.
“The real aim is to let us find out more about where we are coming from, what our leaders have done for us so that we could have greater respect and honour given to them,” he said.
He said that some of the books would be donated to school libraries so that young persons could read about the great leader.
“The young people, through no fault of their own, do not know about our National Heroes and I think one of the weaknesses in our Jamaican society is that most of our people do not know where we are coming from nationally, and that needs to be corrected and I hope that this book will help,” he added.
According to Mr. Jones, the 250-page book is divided into three parts. Part one, speaks about Bustamante’s background while the second part focusses on some 70 quotes from the former Prime Minister and his philosophy. The third section deals with the humorous side of his personality.
“He was a very humorous man, quick-witted. He was generous. He was kind. He was a man of authority but could make anyone feel at ease in his presence,” Mr. Jones said, adding that the anecdotes in the book will show various sides of the National Hero.
“I’m sure people will enjoy them and they will also be enlightened about him,” he added.