Sir Alexander Bustamante

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Sir Alexander Bustamante

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | 2008 | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Sir Alexander Bustamante , 1884-1977, prime minister of Jamaica (1962-67). The son of an Irish father and a Jamaican mother, he was adopted and taken to Spain as a child. He joined the Spanish army, then traveled extensively, working at a wide variety of jobs. Returning to Jamaica in 1932, he became active in the labor movement, gaining prominence with his flaming oratory, and founded the country's largest trade union. After being jailed (1941-42) as a rabble-rouser, he formed (1943) the Jamaica Labour party, a relatively conservative group that attracted right-wing support. He was chief minister (1953-55) and became prime minister in Apr., 1962; independence within the Commonwealth of Nations was achieved that August. A flamboyant leader, he maintained close relations with the United States and launched an ambitious five-year program of public works and land reform. Illness caused him to retire from politics in 1967. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1955.

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Bustamante, Sir (William) Alexander

A Dictionary of World History | 2000 | © A Dictionary of World History 2000, originally published by Oxford University Press 2000. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Bustamante, Sir (William) Alexander (1884–1977) Jamaican statesman. He was a labour leader and founder of the Jamaican Labour Party, and became his country's first Prime Minister (1962–65) after independence from Britain in 1962. During this time he initiated an ambitious five-year plan which embraced major public works projects, agrarian reform, and social welfare.

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Bustamante, Sir William Alexander

A Dictionary of Contemporary World History | 2004 | | © A Dictionary of Contemporary World History 2004, originally published by Oxford University Press 2004. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Bustamante, Sir William Alexander (b. 24 Feb. 1884, d. 6 Aug. 1977). Prime Minister of Jamaica 1962–5 Born in Blenheim (Jamaica), he studied in the USA and lived in Cuba and Panama before returning to Jamaica in 1934 to become a trade-union organizer. In 1938 he founded the right-wing Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, when he was also successfully defended by Norman Manley from charges of sedition. He organized a general strike in 1939, and in 1943 founded the conservative Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). He became Chief Minister of Jamaica, 1944–55. Originally an opponent of greater autonomy (‘self government means slavery’), he changed course and ignited Jamaican patriotism to campaign for independence from the Federation of the West Indies. The first Prime Minister upon independence, he retired because of ill health.

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JAN PALMOWSKI. "Bustamante, Sir William Alexander." A Dictionary of Contemporary World History. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 6 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JAN PALMOWSKI. "Bustamante, Sir William Alexander." A Dictionary of Contemporary World History. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (December 6, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O46-BustamanteSirWilliamlxndr.html

JAN PALMOWSKI. "Bustamante, Sir William Alexander." A Dictionary of Contemporary World History. 2004. Retrieved December 06, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O46-BustamanteSirWilliamlxndr.html

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Related articles from newspapers, magazines, and more

Kingston hails Lady Bustamante
Newspaper article from: The Weekly Gleaner; 10/29/2003; ; 515 words ; LADY GLADYS Bustamante, widow of National Hero, trade unionist and former Prime Minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante, was honoured in the capital on...by The Queen; and 1962 when Sir Alexander became Jamaica's first Prime Minister...
Bustamante and his secretary
Newspaper article from: The Weekly Gleaner; 2/17/2005; ; 656 words ; ...celebrating the birthday of Sir Alexander Bustamante later this month, and as I...mahogany and were very heavy. Bustamante quick-stepped from his desk...wanted to discuss anything with Bustamante he went to his home at Tucker...
Bustamante: Hero of Jamaica's struggle for sovereignty
Newspaper article from: Caribbean Today; 7/31/2002; ; 700+ words ; ...Caribbean Today 07-31-2002 Sir Alexander Bustamante, hero of Jamaica's struggle...by The Standard newspaper, Bustamante told a crowd of about 2,000...regrettable turn of events, Bustamante closed for the day Loans and...
Bustamante Fdn awards two scholarships
Newspaper article from: The Weekly Gleaner; 12/24/2003; 429 words ; ...scholarship is $100,000 per year. The Bustamante Foundation was founded in 1969 when Sir Alexander Bustamante was made a National Hero. After funds...United States of America and Canada, Sir Alexander was asked what should be done. He insisted...
Rebirth of Bustamante's Blenheim house
Newspaper article from: The Weekly Gleaner; 10/19/2006; ; 560 words ; ...of the home of National Hero Sir Alexander Bustamante, at Blenheim. The house...exhibition on the life and work of Bustamante will be mounted inside the house...life-size representation of Bustamante, dressed in his trademark tailcoat...
'A stalwart in the labour movement'
Newspaper article from: The Weekly Gleaner; 7/30/2009; ; 700+ words ; ...Sunday paid tribute to Lady Bustamante, who died on Saturday, July...Jamaica's first prime minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante. Nettleford described Lady...overshadowed by the towering figure of Alexander Bustamante. but the little...
Some historical dates to remember
Newspaper article from: The Weekly Gleaner; 8/6/2003; 700+ words ; ...National Party to the Jamaica Labour Party and Sir Alexander Bustamante became Prime Minister Sir Kenneth Blackbourne...time that a Jamaican was award the title. Sir Alexander Bustamante was appointed a member of the Privy Council of...
Salute to our heroes
Newspaper article from: The Weekly Gleaner; 10/19/2006; ; 700+ words ; ...and economic betterment of the people. Bustamante: Ja's first PM Rt.. Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante 1884-1977 LABOUR LEADER, nationalist, politician. Born Alexander Clarke in the parish of Hanover. He...
Jamaica land of wood and water celebrates. (Diaspora).
Magazine article from: New African; 9/1/2002; ; 700+ words ; ...unfair share of the burden. Sir Alexander Bustamante, the former chief minister...direction if not quite of identity. Bustamante knew that the island might stand...Bustamante and his successors (Sir Alexander retired after a few years at...
Jamaica--land of wood and water celebrates
Magazine article from: New African; 9/1/2002; ; 700+ words ; ...unfair share of the burden. Sir Alexander Bustamante, the former chief minister...direction if not quite of identity. Bustamante knew that the island might stand...Bustamante and his successors (Sir Alexander retired after a few years at...
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