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National Hero of Jamaica Saluted

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In what was a welcomed departure from a traditional state ceremony, national hero, Sir Alexander Bustamante was honoured Tuesday (February 24) during an entertaining and youth enthused ceremony at the National Heroes Park.

With a strong representation from civic and political leaders to commemorate the 126th Anniversary of his birth, Governor General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen led the quorum of tribute layers.


Sir Alexander Bustamante

At the youth-focused ceremony, organized by the re-branded Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange, highlighted Bustamante’s passion for young people as she addressed the audience which included over four hundred students, dubbed “Future Stars” from corporate area schools. Grange also pointed to the importance of including them in all cultural and civic ceremonies to bridge the generational gap and pass on our rich heritage.

Representatives of the Jamaica Constabulary Force along with representatives of the Brownies and Girl Guides uniformed groups assisted with the laying of the tributes.

Eliciting spontaneous bursts of applause, vibrant performances were delivered by Rebecca Williams of Immaculate Conception High, Jovani Williams of the Wolmer’s Boys School, the Clan Carthy High School, the Papine High School choir as well as the Jamaica Military Band.

A civic ceremony was also held at Bustamante’s birthplace in Blenheim, Hanover where The Hon. Horace Chang, representing the Prime Minister and several local leaders paid tribute to the hero.

Both ceremonies featured tributes in speech and music by past and current Festival of the Performing Arts awardees.

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