Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!

Which National Hero Became A Hero While Alive?

Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.

start_here_if_new_image_link

see_jamaica_in_videos_banner_july_2024_large
sir_alexander_bustamante_photoWhich National Hero Became A Hero While Alive?

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

When we think of national heroes, they are often celebrated posthumously. Heroes tend to be recognized after their passing, once their life’s work is viewed in full. Whether it’s for political reasons, public opinion, or timing, very few receive that official recognition while they’re still alive. However, did you know that our national hero Sir Alexander Bustamante broke this mould when he was declared a National Hero while he was alive? Yes, he is our first and so far only national hero to receive the title during his lifetime, giving him the rare opportunity to enjoy the recognition and respect that came with it.

New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!

Savour the memories!  Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.


And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!

But one could rightly ask, why was Bustamante given this honour while most others are only recognized after their death? I think to fully understand that, we need to look at who he was, what he did, and the impact his work had on Jamaica.

He was born on February 24, 1884, and was actually named William Alexander Clarke at birth. Bustamante spent many of his early years abroad, travelling and working across Cuba, Panama, and the United States and this adventurous spirit eventually brought him back here to Jamaica in the 1930s, where he became deeply involved in some of our local issues, like poverty and workers' rights.

At the time, we were still a British Crown Colony, which meant that the colonial governor could veto decisions and block local governance. In recent years we have seen marked improvement in our economy but back then our economic hardship was worsening, unemployment was soaring, and discontent was growing among workers. Bustamante saw the struggles of our island and knew we needed to mobilize the working class. Conditions in the 1920s and 1930s were bleak—failing crops and poor pay had driven many people from rural areas to the cities in search of work, only to find even more unemployment waiting for them.

He began advocating for better working conditions and wages, initially through letters to local newspapers, such as The Gleaner, as well as to British media and he became known as the "Champion of the Working Class," confronting not just employers but also the colonial government.

During the turbulent labour unrest of 1938, he famously declared, “Long live the King! But Denham must go!”—challenging the authority of Governor Edward Denham. His charisma and fearlessness earned him the loyalty of thousands of workers.

His activism led to his detention twice—once in 1938 and again in 1940 under the Defence of the Realm Act. This didn’t silence him, though. In 1939, he established the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), which became a key force in organizing workers and improving their rights. Then, in 1943, he founded the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), a political organization that would shape Jamaica’s political future.

Prime Minister and Nation Builder

In 1944, when we held our first general elections under Universal Adult Suffrage, Bustamante’s JLP won in a landslide. His leadership and influence steadily grew, ultimately leading to him becoming the first Prime Minister of independent Jamaica in 1962. His contributions weren’t just limited to politics though; he was also instrumental in negotiating better wages and working conditions for labourers, and his advocacy ensured the voices of the working class were heard.

Becoming a National Hero While Alive

He officially retired from politics in 1967 but just two years later, on October 18, 1969, he was granted the Order of National Hero, an exceptional honour, given during his lifetime. The ceremony was marked by Government Notice 706 of the Jamaica Gazette, where Bustamante and his cousin Norman Manley were both declared National Heroes.

So why did he get this recognition? You are probably thinking it's just his political career, but even more so it's his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of Jamaicans. His work in labour rights, the formation of unions, and his leadership in achieving universal suffrage were all key to Jamaica’s development. Things we are still benefiting from even today. By the time he became a National Hero, his legacy was already deeply rooted in the fabric of our island. He was already unerasable.

I think the decision to bestow this title on him while he was still alive speaks to the depth of his influence. His impact on our independence, workers’ rights, and governance was monumental, and the government, rightly so, wanted to ensure he was recognized not just in history, but in the present.

Even though he officially retired from politics in 1967, his influence was felt long after. Bustamante passed away on August 6, 1977, at the age of 93—the same day Jamaica celebrated its 15th anniversary of independence.

It’s rare for a hero to receive such recognition in their lifetime, but Bustamante wasn’t just any hero, he was a man whose leadership transformed our nation. I am happy he got to hear the applause he deserved while he was still around to appreciate it.

You might like these

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)


If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to National Heroes Of Jamaica from Which National Hero Became A Hero While Alive? 
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Which National Hero Became A Hero While Alive?

References & Sources For Which National Hero Became A Hero While Alive?

  1. The Rt. Hon. Sir Alexander Bustamante (1884 – 1977) | The National Library of Jamaica. (n.d.). https://nlj.gov.jm/project/rt-hon-sir-alexander-bustamante-1884-1977/

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.
Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

JAMAICA_ON_A_BUDGET_EBOOK_COVER_LEAN

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!

JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!

I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

my_island_jamaica_channel_tv

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Jamaica_subscribe_button

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

copyscape
Back To The Top Of This Page

Like My Site? Please Click Here To Share It With Your Friends

Home   |   JOIN US   |   Site Search   |   Have Your Say   |   Archives   |   Old Archives   |   Contact   |   Disclaimer   |   TIP ME!   |   Link To Us


Do like I did! Share your passion
(about your city, hobby or experience) and make a living from it. Click Here to see how.

By Wellesley Gayle   |   Copyright © 2007-2024 My-Island-Jamaica.com   |   All rights Reserved.   |   Privacy Policy