Tribute to Lady B in the UK

Jamaicans in the United Kingdom (UK) came together on October 17, to pay tribute to the late Lady Bustamante, at a special Hour of Reflection and Thanksgiving, organised by the Jamaican High Commission, in London.
Lady Bustamante, who was the wife of National Hero, The Rt. Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante, died on July 25.
Chairman of the UK based Bustamante Foundation, Dr. Victor Paige, described Lady Bustamante as one of the most outstanding women of Jamaica. He said Jamaicans everywhere should applaud her achievements, celebrate her life and work, to ensure that her legacy endures.
In reflecting on her life, he read sections from Lady Bustamante’s memoirs, where she spoke about her early life and of her difficulties in gaining employment, because of the colour of her skin and of her long and eventful life with Sir Alexander.
“During this long and ever changing period of Jamaican history, her life and experiences were intertwined with events surrounding Bustamante. These experiences informed her decisions, moulded her character and determined her actions,” he said.
Dr. Paige, who was a friend of Lady Bustamante for more than 50 years, said she was a formidable woman in her own right.
“Three passions, clear and simple but overwhelmingly strong, ruled her life – her concern for the suffering, her love of justice and equality and above all, her abiding loyalty,” he said.
In her comments, Reverend Rose Hudson Wilkins said there was much to be learnt from the life of Lady Bustamante.
“She was disciplined, someone who did not allow obstacles to remain obstacles. She was someone who persevered, someone who exercised the love of God,” she said.
High Commissioner, His Excellency Burchell Whiteman, said Lady Bustamante was an icon of grace, humility and discipline, who was loved by the nation.
The ceremony featured performances from Bass Baritone, Mr. Robert Anderson, while well known actress, Ms. Dona Croll, read the poem ‘Jamaican Woman’, by Easton lee. The lessons were read by Baroness Howells of St. David and 2009 Chevening Scholar, Ms. Danielle Andrade.