The Bureau of Women's Affairs has expressed condolences to the family of Lady Bustamante, affectionately called 'Lady B', saying it was saddened by her passing.

"Lady B lived a long and fruitful life," the bureau said in a statement yesterday as it hailed her as one of the mothers of Jamaica.

"Like a mother, the needs of the vulnerable were on the forefront of her agenda. Lady B is praised as someone who was very devoted to social service and the labour movement. Her contributions in these areas were exemplary."

The bureau said Lady B was one of the few women who have given numerous years to the development of Jamaica through the labour movement and the political arena.

Was a force to reckon with

The Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) says a void has been left in the nation with the death of Lady Bustamante

The president and officers of the JTA yesterday expressed condolences to the family, friends and the president general, officers and staff of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union upon her passing.

"During her lifetime, she was a tremendous force to reckon with in championing the cause of the working class and particularly the welfare of women folk," the JTA said in a release.

"Lady Bustamante's contribution to public service started from the young age of 19, and her efforts culminated in the formation of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union in 1938 and to which she continued to give yeoman service."

The JTA said it noted that, in the 1930s, alongside her late husband Sir Alexander Bustamante, the two exposed the conditions under which workers were employed.

"Being a professional association with responsibility to champion the cause of the teachers in Jamaica, the JTA urges all concerned to support the trade unions and teachers' union such as the JTA, as together we ensure that the conditions under which workers work are conducive and that they are so remunerated for their efforts. In so doing, the legacy of Lady B will surely live on."