The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was formally launched in July 1943. According to the late Dr George Eaton in his book Alexander Bustamante and Modern Jamaica, it was nothing more than a political label for the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU). The JLP, like the BITU, was Alexander Bustamante.

Today, 83 years later, a potent question must be asked: Is the JLP still Bustamante’s party? According to the party’s communication guru, Abka Fitz-Henley, “We remain deeply committed to promoting and protecting the economic and social well-being of all Jamaicans, and will continue to foster cooperation among the people regardless of colour, race, or creed.” To what extent have these objectives been achieved? The party will argue that under the leadership of Dr Andrew Michael Holness much has been achieved, but while this may be true, to some extent, it can also be argued that there is much room for improvement in the socio-economic sphere of the nation.

With respect to the JLP’s leadership structure, it is interesting to note that in 1942, after a tour of some rural parishes, Bustamante declared at a public meeting that he intended to form a political party, of which he would be the unquestioned boss. “I will be the boss of my party. If any member goes to the council and deceives me, he shall have a hot time, for I will be boss. I will direct you how to vote and for whom to vote.”

He also promised that he would put into the Legislative Council (now Parliament) many of the “common boys”. He asserted then that once a man is capable he should be given every chance to achieve the greatest heights. He also went on to affirm that his Labour/Workers Party was a party with liberal policies and progressive outlook that will recognise the legitimate claims of both labour and capital for adequate representation.

At the time, Bustamante also outlined the eight planks for his party’s election platform, which included:

Alexander Bustamante .

1) financial state aid for expectant mothers, a few months before and after childbirth

2) medical examination of all criminals before they are made to serve sentences

3) legal protection for individuals prosecuted by the police

4) a more extensive land settlement scheme

5) old age pension

Dr Andrew Holness

6) eight-hour day for all workers

7) minimum wage law for all workers

8) workmen’s compensation law. It must be noted that Bustamante back then had a very strong following among working-class women, who accorded him undying devotion and a fanatical loyalty.

Unquestionably, underpinning the JLP’s ethos under Bustamante was compassion for the poor and working class. Indeed, back then his programme and social philosophy represented the transfer of trade union goals into political action or “labourism”. Today, can it be said the JLP is paying attention to the vision of its founder?

What has become of the BITU’s role in ensuring that the Holness-led JLP sticks to those tents that Bustamante embraced and espoused for the working class people for whom he bared his chest and said, “Shoot me; leave my people alone!” Back then, the BITU fought for workers’ rights, fair wages, and better working conditions across the island. Against this backdrop, the potent question to be asked is whether the BITU is fulfilling Bustamante’s dreams and wishes under this JLP Government.

In terms of international relationships, it must be remembered that when asked about the JLP’s foreign policy stance, Bustamante made this famous quip: “We are with the West.” Given the current geopolitical environment with US President Donald Trump playing the role of an international bully threatening uncooperative countries with sanctions, tariffs, and visa restrictions, the JLP is finding itself between a rock and a hard place as it also has to maintain meaningful and constructive relations with China.

So far, Prime Minister Holness, notwithstanding the barbs coming from his detractors, has managed to hold a middle ground, but for how long, as the United States ambassador-designate to Jamaica Kari Lake has already indicated that she intends to rock the boat. In all of this, Prime Minister Holness and the JLP must be reminded of these words of the party’s anthem: “Remember Bustamante, he served you well, Stand up, Jamaicans, when you hear the bell.”

When all is said and done, there is much that the JLP can boast about in terms of achievements of which Bustamante would be proud, but at the same time, he may well say to Dr Holness, “Son, there are still too many of my people living in abject poverty, too many of them are still landless and living hand to mouth. Wake up, son, stand and deliver!”

Lloyd B Smith has been involved full-time in Jamaican media for the past 50 years. He has also served as a People’s National Party Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He hails from western Jamaica where he is popularly known as the Governor. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or lbsmith4@gmail.com.