Sir Alexander Bustamante

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Sir Alexander Bustamante Biography

The charismatic Sir Alexander Bustamante was the first Prime Minister of independent Jamaica and one of Jamaica's national heroes.

As a young man he traveled the world, working in Cuba, Spain, Panama and the USA. After returning to Jamaica he became disillusioned with the social inequity and injustice which he saw. He became a champion of the working classes and campaigned for workers rights. He was arrested for his role in the Kingston waterfront protests.

Bustamante formed the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in opposition to the Peoples National Party (PNP) and won the first Jamaican elections under full adult suffrage.

Bustamante retired from politics in 1967 and died in 1977.

Full Alexander Bustamante Biography

Part  1 - Growing up in Jamaica
Part  2 - Working Overseas
Part  3 - Return to Jamaica
Part  4 - Labour Riots
Part  5 - Arrest and Imprisonment
Part  6 - Establishment of the JLP
Part  7 - Life as Prime Minister
Part  8 - Retirement, Death and Legacy

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