Which National Hero Became A Hero While Alive?

Which 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.

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.

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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/

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