The Road to Independence - Sir Alexander Bustamante

He was named William Alexander Clarke at birth

He Mother Mary Clarke was of a mixed race

His father Robert Clarke was her second husband

Alexander changed the name Clarke to honour a sea captain who adopted and educated him in Spain

1905- left Jamaica once again at the age of 21

1932- He returned to Jamaica at the age of 48

He opened offices at Duke Street as a money Lender

1937- He was elected as treasurer to the Jamaica workers Union

1938- Identified as a spokes person for the striking workers

1940- He was charged and arrested for rebellious activities

1943 Defended by his cousin Norman and released from prison

1944- His party won and he became the unofficial government leader

1949- His JLP party wins again and he is officially given the role as Chief Minister

1950's He spent a lot of his time opposing the Federation of the West Indies

He agitated for Jamaica to become independent of Britain

1962- He won the first election held after Independence and took the first time position of Prime Minister of Jamaica

1962- He married his 4th wife Galdys Longbridge at the age of 78

1963- He was given a honorary degree from Fairfield University

1966- an Honorary degree was conferred on him by the University of the West Indies

1969- He was conferred with the Order of National hero. He was the only one to receive this honour while he was still alive

1977 he died at he Irish Town Hospital