Alexander Bustamante Biography

Home > Icons > Alexander Bustamante > Biography Part 6

Biography Part 6 - Establishment of the JLP

Shortly after release from prison, Bustamante fell out with the leaders of the PNP, claiming that they had betrayed his trust. He then established his own political party, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) on 8 July 1943 at a meeting in Kingston's Ward Theatre.

The first general elections under universal adult suffrage were held in 1944 with Bustamante's JLP up against the PNP and the Jamaica Democratic Party. The JLP won 22 seats out of 32.

Bustamante was now the head of the government but Jamaica was still a British colony so his official title was Minister of Communication.

Previous: Arrest and Imprisonment

Next: Life as Prime Minister

email Share