BLENHEIM, Hanover — Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has bemoaned the absence of both political representatives of the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) from the Civic Ceremony in honour of Jamaica’s National Hero, Sir Alexander Bustamante.

The function, held in Blenheim, Hanover on Friday, was a joint partnership between the Hanover Municipal Corporation and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission to mark the 133rd anniversary of the National Hero’s birth.

“If we are brave enough, we will admit that we have not honoured his (Bustamante) legacy in the way that we ought to. The commemoration of his birthday is not a political event. It crosses political borders and I am disappointed that the sitting member of parliament (Ian Hayles)…, I’m disappointed that the Mayor of Lucea (Sheridan Samuels), who is also the councillor for this division, is not present here this morning,” said McKenzie to a round of applause from those in attendance.

The minister added that  the birth celebration event of Bustamante, who is also the founder of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), is to show appreciation for his work and not as a political gathering event.

“I don’t accept that when we gather here in the month of February, it is a coming together of labour party supporters or PNP supporters. It is the coming together of people, of a nation, who should show it’s appreciation to the work and efforts of Sir William Alexander Bustamante.

“Because many people will tell you that when he was incarcerated it was Norman Manley (founder of the PNP) who administered the affairs of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union at that time. If we read our history, our history will tell you that the People’s National Party was founded in 1938 and Bustamante could be considered then as a founding member of the People’s National Party. So, it means that Bustamante never knew the difference between the PNP and JLP when the foundation for the struggle of the labour movement was created,” informed McKenzie.

McKenzie further urged the people of Hanover to recognise the importance of Bustamante’s contribution to Jamaica

“And I urge the people of Hanover to recognise the importance of Bustamante contribution to Jamaica. I urge both political parties to recognise what Bustamante stood for.” implored McKenzie.

He pointed out that some of the issues in the Caribbean were as a result of Bustamante’s decision to leave the federation.

“And, many people may not know that the problems that we as a country face in the Caribbean, the insularity that exists in the Caribbean was all because, Bustamante was bold enough to defy the Federation and to walk away. And the late Erik Williams said when you take one from that, it leaves zero,” asserted McKenzie.

The minister of local government not only had an issue with the elected representatives, but also with the organisers of the event.

“I am concerned about the level of organisation that has been put in to a function to commemorate, to me, our greatest National Hero. I believe that if we are honouring the legacy and memory of Bustamante, we must do it in a dignified way, reflecting the man who Bustamante was and what Bustamante stood for,” bemoaned McKenzie.

Anthony Lewis