With the passing of Lady Bustamante many tributes have been paid to her for her zealous efforts on behalf of the people of Jamaica, especially workers and children.

However, it is a personal experience and an encounter with Lady B, for which I will most remember her. It was mid-September 1988, Hurricane Gilbert had just trampled Jamaica. As a teenager I sat and wondered where money would come from to repair the roof of our small house in Islington, St Mary.

Lady B was the first person who came to mind. I had no idea whether she could or would help. One might ask why Lady B? Only a few months before the hurricane, we had studied the national heroes in a newly introduced civics course at St Mary High School where I was a student. The work of Marcus Garvey and Sir Alexander Bustamante stood out in my mind. By extension, that also meant Lady Bustamante.

financial assistance

I was surprised to get a response from her within two weeks of writing. In her letter, she expressed sympathy and informed me that she had spoken to then member of parliament for South East St Mary, the late Alva Ross about offering help.

Mr Ross visited my family about three days later and offered some financial assistance on behalf of Lady B.

Little did I know that 10 years later in 1998, that my job as public relations manager at SuperClubs Grand Lido Braco, would have afforded me the opportunity to meet and host this lady who was my good Samaritan after hurricane Gilbert. Lady B was hosted at lunch by Joe Issa and Seragh and Effie Lakasingh on her 86th birthday.

May her soul rest in peace.

I am, etc.,

Robert-Seaga Johnson

Islington PO

St Mary