Alexander Bustamante facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante GBE PC ONH
Bustamante in 1962
1st Prime Minister of Jamaica
In office 6 August 1962 – 23 February 1967
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Governor-General	Sir Kenneth Blackburne Sir Clifford Campbell
Succeeded by	Sir Donald Sangster
1st Chief Minister of Jamaica
In office 5 May 1953 – 2 February 1955
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Governor	Sir Hugh Foot
Succeeded by	Norman Manley
Personal details
Born	William Alexander Clarke (1884-02-24)24 February 1884 Hanover, Colony of Jamaica
Died	6 August 1977(1977-08-06) (aged 93) Saint Andrew, Jamaica
Political party	Jamaica Labour Party
Spouse	Gladys Longbridge ​ (m. 1962)​

Sir William Alexander Clarke Bustamante (born William Alexander Clarke; 24 February 1884 – 6 August 1977) was an important Jamaican leader. He worked for workers' rights and helped Jamaica become an independent country. In 1962, he became Jamaica's first Prime Minister.

Early Life and Travels

William Alexander Clarke was born in Blenheim, Hanover, Jamaica. His mother was Mary Clarke, and his father was Robert Constantine Clarke. Robert was the half-brother of Margaret Ann Manley, who was the mother of Norman Manley. Norman Manley later became another important Jamaican leader.

William said he took the name Bustamante to honor a Spanish sea captain. He claimed this captain adopted him and took him to Spain for school. After his schooling, William returned to Jamaica.

Bustamante traveled a lot when he was young. He left Jamaica again in 1905 when he was 21. He worked as a policeman in Cuba and a tram conductor in Panama. He also worked as a dietician in a New York City hospital. At 48, he came back to Jamaica in 1932.

Fighting for Workers' Rights

When Bustamante returned to Jamaica, he became a leader in the fight against colonial rule. He wrote many letters to the Daily Gleaner newspaper about important issues. In 1937, he became the treasurer of the Jamaica Workers' Union (JWU). This union was started by Allan G.S. Coombs.

During a big workers' protest in 1938, Bustamante quickly became the main spokesperson. Most of the striking workers were of African and mixed-race descent. After the protest, the JWU became the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU). Bustamante became known as "The Chief" because of his strong leadership.

In 1940, he was put in prison. However, many people were fighting for Jamaica's freedom from colonial rule. This led to a big change in 1944. The British Parliament allowed all adults in Jamaica to vote.

Bustamante was released from prison in 1943. That same year, he started the Jamaica Labour Party. Before this, he had been part of the People's National Party. His cousin, Norman Manley, had founded that party in 1938.

First Steps in Government

In the 1944 Jamaican general election, Bustamante's party won a majority of seats. They won 22 out of 32 seats in the new House of Representatives. This was the first time people voted using universal suffrage. Bustamante became the unofficial leader of the government. He represented his party as the Minister for Communications.

Even with these changes, the British governor still held most of the power. The governor was responsible only to the British Crown. In 1947 and 1948, Bustamante was elected as the mayor of Kingston.

The 1949 Jamaican general election was very close. The People's National Party (PNP) received more votes. However, Bustamante's Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) won more seats. The JLP won 17 seats, and the PNP won 13. About 65% of voters participated in this election.

Becoming Chief Minister

Both parties asked the colonial government for more power for the elected government. In June 1953, a new constitution was created. This constitution allowed for a Chief Minister and seven other Ministers. These Ministers were chosen from the elected House of Representatives.

For the first time, these Ministers had a lot of power to manage Jamaica's internal affairs. Their powers were only limited in areas like public safety and civil service matters. In 1953, Bustamante became Jamaica's first Chief Minister. This was the title for the head of government before independence.

Bustamante held this position until 1955. In the 1955 Jamaican general election, the PNP won for the first time. They secured 18 out of 32 seats. The JLP won 14 seats. About 65% of voters participated. As a result, Norman Manley became the new Chief Minister.

In the 1959 Jamaican general election, the number of seats increased to 45. The PNP won by a larger margin, taking 29 seats. The JLP won 16 seats. Manley was then appointed Jamaica's first Premier on 14 August 1959. He served in this role for four years.

Road to Independence

Bustamante with U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1962.

At first, Bustamante supported the idea of the West Indies Federation. This was a plan to unite several Caribbean islands. However, during the 1950s, he gradually changed his mind. He began to believe that Jamaica should become fully independent from Great Britain. He strongly pushed for Jamaica to leave the Federation.

In the 1961 Jamaican Federation of the West Indies membership referendum, Jamaicans voted to leave the West Indies Federation. About 54% of voters chose to leave. After losing this vote, Norman Manley called for another election in April 1962. This election was to decide Jamaica's path to independence.

On 10 April 1962, the JLP won the 1962 Jamaican general election. They secured 26 out of 45 seats. The PNP won 19 seats. About 73% of voters participated. This victory led to Jamaica's independence.

Jamaica gained its independence on 6 August 1962. Several other British colonies in the West Indies also became independent soon after. Bustamante had become Premier between April and August 1962. When Jamaica became independent, he became its first Prime Minister.

First Prime Minister of Jamaica

After Jamaica gained independence in 1962, Bustamante served as the first Prime Minister until 1967. In 1965, he became less active in public life after having a stroke. His deputy, Donald Sangster, took on many of his duties.

On 21 February 1967, the JLP won the 1967 Jamaican general election again. They won 33 out of 53 seats. Two days later, Bustamante retired from his role. Donald Sangster then became Jamaica's second Prime Minister.

Family Life

Sir Alexander Bustamante was married four times. His fourth wife was Gladys Longbridge. They married on 7 September 1962, when he was 78 years old. He did not have any children. His parents were Robert Constantine Clarke and Mary Wilson.

Legacy and Honors

Bustamante received many honors for his public service. In 1955, he was praised for his work in Jamaica. He received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Fairfield University in 1963. In 1964, he became a member of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom.

In 1966, the University of the West Indies also gave him an honorary Doctor of Law degree. That same year, he received a special award from the Republic of China. On 9 June 1967, Bustamante was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire. This is a very high honor.

In 1969, Bustamante was named a Member of the Order of National Hero. This recognized his great achievements for Jamaica. Other National Heroes include Norman Manley, Marcus Garvey, Paul Bogle, and George William Gordon. Bustamante's picture is on the Jamaican one dollar coin.

Bustamante passed away in 1977. He was buried in the National Heroes Park in Kingston.

Bustamante Backbone Candy

There is a popular Jamaican candy named after him called "Bustamante backbone." It is made from grated coconut, dark brown sugar, and fresh ginger. It is cooked until it becomes hard. People say its firmness represents his strong character. This candy is also sometimes called "Busta."

See also

In Spanish: Alexander Bustamante para niños