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PHOTO FLASHBACK: Celebrating Sir Alexander Bustamante, born on February 24, 1884

Published:Friday | February 25, 2022 | 7:30 AMA Digital Integration & Marketing production
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AlexanderBustamante19490804: A young Alexander Bustamante in 1949.
Sir Alexander Bustamante, leader of the Opposition, signing the Constitution for Jamaica in Independence at the House of Representatives in 1962.
Pop singer Millie Small displays the gold medallion, a gift from Sir Alexander Bustamante (right), which was presented to her at the Prime Minister’s Office in August 1964.
Sir Alexander Bustamante, Premier, poses for a picture with members of the King's House domestic staff after his swearing-in ceremony in April 1962.
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Sir William Alexander Clarke Bustamante was born on February 24, 1884. He became Jamaica’s first prime minister after the country gained independence in 1962.

In 1943, Bustamante founded the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), and was also its first leader. The first general election under Universal Adult Suffrage came in 1944 and the JLP won 22 of the 32 seats.

He received the Order of National Hero in 1971.

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