In a prestigious ceremony at King’s House, Sir Alexander Bustamante, Jamaica's former Prime Minister, was honoured as a Knight Grand Cross of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The investiture, led by Acting Governor-General Sir Rowland Phillips, celebrated Bustamante's lifetime of service to Jamaica. Dignitaries, including Prime Minister Hugh Shearer, paid tribute to Bustamante, lauding his leadership and the lasting impact of his work for the nation. Lady Bustamante was also recognized for her enduring contributions.

Published Friday, September 15, 1967

Bustamante invested as G.B.E.

The Right Hon. Sir Alexander, former  Prime Minister of Jamaica, was, yesterday morning, invested as a Knight Grand  Cross of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by the Acting Governor-General, Sir Rowland Phillips.

The investiture took place in the dining room at King’s House in the presence of dignitaries of the Church, Members of the Cabinet, heads of the Judiciary, and friends and well-wishers of Sir Alexander.

The Order was conferred on Sir Alexander by the Queen in Her Birthday Honours last June.

At the commencement of the ceremony, the acting Governor General invited his secretary. Mr. Neville Smith, to read the citation from the Queen, which is as follows:

“The Queen has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of the celebration of Her Majesty’s birthday, and on the advice of Her Majesty’s Jamaica Prime Minister, to give orders for the following appointment to The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire:

“To be a Knight Grand Cross of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

“The Right Honourable Sir William Alexander Bustamante”

Sir Rowland, in paying tribute to Sir Alexander, said:

“For long, distinguished and meritorious service to Jamaica, Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to confer on Sir Alexander Bustamante the title of Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, an honour which he richly deserves.

“Many years ago, William Ewart Gladstone, the Prime Minister of England, was described as the “Grand Old Man” of English politics. Abraham Lincoln was “the Grand Old Man” of America. Not many days ago, we met together to do honour to Simon Bolivar, the Liberator of Venezuela.

“Today, we are gathered here to do honour to our “Grand Old Man and Liberator”of Jamaica.

“It gives me the greatest pleasure to invest him with this Badge as a further mark of our respect and esteem, and long may he live.

(To Sir Alexander) “And now, Sir, in obedience to Her Majesty’s command and by virtue of the powers conferred on me, with your permission, I now invest you with the Order of a Knight Grand Cross of the British Empire.”

Sir Rowland then invested Sir Alexander by placing around his neck first, the Sash with the Insignia of the Order, then the Chain of the Order, and pinning on the lapel of his coat the Star of the Order.

Invitation

The Acting Governor-General then invited those present to “charge their glasses and drink to the health of Sir Alexander.”

This they did.

Sir Rowland also paid  tribute to Lady Bustamante, saying that Jamaica would always remember her. He then invited Sir Alexander to reply.

Lady Bustamante read the following reply by Sir Alexander:

Your Excellencies, Mr. Prime Minister, Distinguished Guests:

“I am most grateful for the further honour conferred upon me by Her Majesty the Queen in the Birthday Honours List of 1967.

“Throughout all the years, I have laboured and fought for the rights of the people. Nothing has ever given me greater satisfaction than to know that I have done a great deal for the betterment and progress of our nation. We have built a very strong foundation, and although a lot has been accomplished, still there is much more to be done. It is my belief that with God’s help, that everyone will realise that there is plenty more to be accomplished. We will continue to go forward.

“May I say that I regard this further honour not so much as a personal one, but as an honour for all the people of Jamaica.

The Prime Minister, the Hon. Hugh Shearer, who was next invited to speak by the Acting Governor-General, paid tribute to Sir Alexander and described the occasion as “a very significant one for all Jamaica.”

Highest

He said the honour that had been conferred on Sir Alexander was the highest-in the Civillian Order and (to Sir Alexander) “as far as all Jamaica is concerned, Sir Alexander, there is no other Jamaican more deserving of this highest honour in the Civillian Order than you, Sir … .”

Mr. Shearer commended Sir Alexander on his leadership of the Jamaica Labour Party and the country and added that he was a leader who worked conscientiously towards the achievement of high goals.

He said the honour that morning was “a culmination – an expression of appreciation for all the work, the service and sacrifice and the magnificent results that Sir Alexander had achieved for the nation of Jamaica.”

He also paid tribute to Lady Bustamante.

The function ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

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