THERE were special birthday wishes for Lady Bustamante who yesterday turned 93, coinciding with the celebration of International Women's Day. The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) acknowledged her 70 years of contribution to Jamaican politics and the union movement, referring to her work as "a guiding light for Jamaicans in the patriotic struggle".

LADY B... described both as a dynamo and heroine

Gladys Bustamante, referred to affectionately as 'Lady B', is the widow of Sir Alexander Bustamante, national hero and a founder of the JLP.
"(March 8) is also recognised as International Women's Day and the coincidence here, in Jamaica, gives extra glow to the light she shed in the struggle for advancement of women, particularly in the social, economic and political fields," said a release issued by JLP general secretary Karl Samuda.

Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, JLP spokeswoman on information and culture, said Lady Bustamante's lifelong dedication to the struggles led by Sir Alexander, as he fought for adult suffrage and independence, establishes her as a heroine and champion of the working class.

Lady Bustamante worked alongside Sir Alexander during all the events leading up to the upheavals of 1938 and the formation of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, the largest labour union in Jamaica, as well as the formation of the JLP in 1943, to take over administration of the country in 1944, having swept the polls.

Lady B, said Samuda, was in the vanguard with Bustamante in the independence movement and when he became the first prime minister of Jamaica in 1962.

"Her 'stick-to-itiveness' in the struggle that brought personal and collective advancement to women in Jamaica also influenced others to promote ideals for women beyond our shores and must be seen as vital achievements," said Samuda.

"In short, she was a dynamo in the progressive movement."
Grange also used the occasion to salute all women in the JLP and Jamaica who have devoted themselves to the upliftment of the country.

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