Keepsakes of Leadership: Sir Alexander Bustamante
- tcollins66
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Heraldic Heritage: The Coat of Arms of Sir Alexander Bustamante
In 1968, the College of Arms officially granted a distinctive coat of arms to Sir Alexander Bustamante (1884–1977), Jamaica’s pioneering Prime Minister, who served from 1962 to 1967. A prominent trade union leader and the founder of the Jamaica Labour Party, he played a foundational role in the nation’s path to independence. Upon retirement, he was honoured with the title Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE).
Source: The Heraldry Society, "Heraldic Grants and Their Significance," 2020.
The Shield
The shield features a per chevron grady division, symbolising the various stages of Sir Bustamante’s career culminating in the achievement of freedom for Jamaica. The charges, a civic wreath, a ceremonial mace, and two crowns each carry symbolic significance. The civic wreath represents excellence in civic service; the ceremonial mace signifies parliamentary authority; and the two crowns, referred to as Vallary crowns, are Roman military honours fashioned from palisade stakes, symbolising strength and authority.
Source: College of Arms, "Guidelines on Heraldic Symbols and Charges," 2018.
Supporters
Mr. Bustamante’s personal history is reflected in his heraldic supporters. His father was of Irish descent, which is why his dexter supporter is a wolfhound, a breed historically associated with loyalty and protection in Ireland. During an extended period living in Latin America, he adopted the surname 'Bustamante' and embraced Latin American customs and dress styles. Consequently, his sinister supporter is a fighting bull, a symbol often associated with Spanish culture and representing strength and resilience.
Source: College of Arms, "Guidelines on Heraldic Symbols and Charges," 2018.
The Crest
Atop the shield sits a Streamertail Hummingbird, commonly known as the ‘Doctor Bird’, which is Jamaica’s national bird. This may be a heraldic first for Jamaica, emphasising agility, beauty, and the island’s rich natural heritage. The crest is further distinguished by two crossed machetes, tools essential to Jamaican agriculture; however, as Somerset Herald Walter Verco noted, machetes can also symbolise martial strength.
Source: Somerset Herald Walter Verco, "Heraldic Symbolism and Latin American Influences," 1975.
Motto
Prime Minister Bustamante requested a personal motto: “I mean what I say and say what I mean,” though translating this into Latin proved challenging. The final motto adopted is “A mind that cannot be bent,” emphasising resilience and integrity.
Source: Heraldic Records of Jamaica, "Personal Mottoes and Their Significance," 1982.
Heraldic Flags
Having grown accustomed to official flags during his tenure as Prime Minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante commissioned heraldic flags for his personal use, specifically for his car and flagpole, further demonstrating his pride in his heraldic identity.
Source: Personal correspondence with Sir Alexander Bustamante, 1967.
Symbol of Friendship and Elegance: The Red Leather Sandals Gift from President Nkrumah
In 1962, during a period marked by a wave of independence movements across Africa and the Caribbean, a notable act of diplomatic camaraderie occurred between two prominent leaders: Ghana’s President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Jamaica’s first Prime Minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante. Among the artefacts associated with this era is a pair of finely crafted red leather slippers, decorated with beaten gold, which were gifted to Sir Alexander Bustamante by President Nkrumah. This artefact symbolises the friendship between Ghana and Jamaica and reflects the rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship of Ghana.
A Cultural Treasure: The Ghanaian Traditional Slipper
The traditional Ghanaian footwear is meticulously crafted from high-quality red leather, highlighting Ghanaian craftsmanship at its finest. The beaten gold embellishments further distinguish the slippers, showcasing Ghanaian goldsmithing skills rooted in centuries of artisanal tradition, underscored by skill and attention to aesthetic detail.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
The design serves as a potent symbol of mutual respect and cultural pride. In Ghanaian tradition, gold often signifies purity, wealth and high status. When incorporated into traditional footwear, it embodies a sense of cultural identity. As a personal gift from President Nkrumah to Jamaica’s Prime Minister, the slippers are viewed as a symbolic bridge connecting African and Caribbean identities, emphasising unity, mutual respect and collaboration.
Diplomatic and Cultural Legacy
This pair of slippers is regarded as a meaningful artefact representing Ghana-Jamaica diplomatic ties during the era of decolonisation and independence. It exemplifies Ghana’s pride in its cultural heritage and its commitment to fostering international bonds rooted in shared histories and aspirations. Beyond its ceremonial value, the slippers symbolise an exchange of tradition, history and hope for continued solidarity.
This traditional Ghanaian footwear continues to inspire appreciation for Ghanaian artistry and the universal values of unity and mutual respect among nations. (On loan to the PBCJ, the sandals can be viewed long-term at the Bustamante Museum in Kingston.
