Laranzo Dacres, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's first non-posthumous national hero and prime minister, Sir Alexander Bustamante, now has a museum in his memory to help preserve his achievements and tell tales of his life.

Located at 24 Tucker Avenue, St Andrew, the museum is a slightly renovated home of the late hero; this was where he lived after being released from detention in 1942. The house-museum hasn't changed much and it still has the same wallpaper that was there during Bustamante's time.

The museum is not yet open to the public, but Saturday Life got a sneak peek of what was inside. Today, we bring you our top-five Bustamante moments from our museum visit.

5. Knighthood - Knight Bachelor GBE, June 1955.

Sir Alexander was first knighted in 1955. He also received the Order of the Knight Grand Cross of the British Empire in June 1967. This award was to be returned to the royal family after the honouree dies, but due to a request made by Lady Bustamante, the award was allowed to remain in Jamaica and now rests in a showcase at the museum.

4. Sir Bustamante - The Lover

During his time in jail, Sir Alex kept the spark alive between him and Longbridge - then his secretary - by sending letters of affection, whom he later married. She is better known as Lady Bustamante. A few of these letters are showcased at the museum. These were never before seen by the public and are hand-written, signed and dated by Sir Bustamante, with a clearer replica shown alongside the original.

3. Independence speech

The year 1962 represented a new era for Jamaicans and Sir Alexander was at the centre of change. He made this speech on August 6 as the island celebrated its break from British rule. A replica of the speech is also on showcase at the museum.

2. Meeting Sir Winston Churchill

In January 1953, Sir Alexander Bustamante met Sir Winston Churchill, the British prime minister. Sir Winston also presented Sir Alex with an autographed copy of one of his books.

1. White House visit

Bustamante was a very sociable person and that might have been one of the reasons why many loved him. On his visit to the White House, he met then president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. An autographed copy of the book To Turn the Tide by JFK was one of the gifts presented to Bustamante.

The Bustamante museum holds an ocean of historical moments of the life of Sir Alex. To get the true feeling of his historic greatness, why not book a visit to the museum. Take a journey back in time - you'll enjoy every step of it.

Contact: Nora Strudwick, museum curator, 942-2666; website - www.bustamantemuseum.com.

LEFT: Bustamante's independence speech.
CENTRE: Sir Alex shares a joke with US President John F. Kennedy at the White House.
RIGHT: Order of the Knight Grand Cross of the British Empire, June 1967.