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Shearer: Man for the Masses

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Shearer: Man for the Masses National Library of Jamaica P.SA Sunday Herald LABOUR September 28-0ctober 4, 2003 . I ,-\ Sk f� . � \ Shearer: an for the masses . e has been an integral part Bustamante founded the first trade union Hof the labour movement in in the Caribb�n, the BITU. Th union was Jamaica for decades, champi­ the organisation that gave birth to the movement whic� founded the Jamaica oning the cause of the down­ Labour Party (JLP). Throughout the past trodden workers in their cry for five decades the BITU has remained com­ justice, decent wages and work­ mitted to upholding the mandate upon ing conditions fit for human which it was formed - that is to facilitate beings. Yet, Hugh Shearer it a better standards of living and opportu­ seems, is a man who remains in nities for the people of Jamaica. Today the shadow. A formidable man, the BITU is recognised as the largest his role has constantly evolved labour union in the English-speaking through the years to meet the Caribbean. It continues to increase its ser­ vice to all sections of workers in Jamaica, needs of whatever position or defending their interests not only in challenge he assumes. But what improved wages, but also the welfare of do we know of him and where each worker. did his spirit of giving com­ mence? Distinguished career Born Hugh Lawson Shearer on May Hugh Lawson Shearer 18, 1923 in Martha Brae, Trelawny, he Shearer has had a distinguished career, role of Jamaica's chief spokesman on for­ grew up close to the sugar and banana particularly as a negotiator and was eign affairs as deputy chief of mission at areas of his parish, hence his love of the recognised as the JLP spokesman for the the United Nations. When soil and the people who till it. He attend­ working class sector of the community. Sir Alexander Bustamante retired in 1967 ed St Simon's College as a parish scholar­ Due to Bustamante's increasing involve­ the mantle fell on Hugh Shearer to con­ ship winner and at the age of 18, joined ment with government, Mr Shearer took test the newly-created Clarendon the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union's over complete charge of the BITU, and Southern seat which he won by a 2,925 (BITU) staff in April 1941 attached to the this made him a force to be reckoned with majority. Later, he was appointed Prime union's weekly paper, Jamazca Worker. in JLP councils. He held a seat in the JLP Minister on the death of Sir Donald His first promotion came in 1943, when executive as the leading representative of Sangster in 1967. As Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante, just released the BITU, a position of strength. His (1967-1972), he presided over some of from Detention Camp, took over editor­ trade union activities have served him in Jamaica's most productive years, as dur­ ship of the paper and took Shearer under good stead, having brought him through ing this period three new alumina refiner­ his wings, forming a lifelong bond the years into contact with a wide cross­ ies and three large convention hotels were between the two. As Bustamante became section of the community - workers, civil constructed or started. These formed the servants, employers, traders, associations more involved with the Jamaica Labour base of today's mining and tourism indus­ - giving him a wide knowledge of social Party, Mr Shearer went on to further pro­ tries, now the countries two largest for- and economic conditions in fields that motion within the union and acquired a , eign exchange earners. matter fundamentally to Jamaican life. Government Trade Union scholarship Additionally Mr Shearer is credited On the international scene, Hugh tenable for 1947 to 1948. with changing the pace of education in Shearer in 1963 initiated the movement in Political scene Jamaica with his programme to double the United Nations for declaring 1968 as secondary school enrollment, thus so new 'The International Year of Human Rights,' His entry into politics came when he was secondary schools were built as a result. which was celebrated worldwide and was elected a councillor of the Kingston and St Though he was Prime Minister for five also instrumental in piloting the move to Andrew Corporation (KSAC) in 1947. He years, holding the highest and most pow­ have Jamaica selected as headquarters for was also appointed Island Supervisor of erful position in the land is not what he is The Law of the Sea Authority. Aftera suc­ the BITU and elected vice president of the and will ultimately be known best for, as cessful Prime Ministership, Shearer relin­ quished the leadership of the party and union, at around the same time. By 1955, it is his work with Jamaica's grassroots was succeeded by Edward Seaga in he was elected to the House of masses as a trade unionist that won him November 1974· In the 1976 constituen­ Representatives as a member for Western great respect. cies (Boundaries) realignment, Clarendon Kingston and upon being defeated, was The year 1938, in fact, was to prove a Southern was removed from the parish appointed to the Legislative Council. A key year in the development of modern and Clarendon South Eastern restored. member of the Senate (and its leader) Jamaica. Partly as a result of the battle in Hugh Shearer contested for the JLP and from 1962 to 1967, he invariably filled the Frome, strike-leader Alexander defeated Ronald Powell (PNP), by 2,134 Hugh Lawson Shearer and wife Denise Though he was Prime Minister for five years, 'hQlding.. the highest and most , powe�l:Uiposition in the land is not what he ts and will ultimately be known best for,.as it is his work with Jamaica's grassroots masses as a trade unionist th�t won him great respect votes. Lawson Shearer alo ng with Prime Indeed Hugh Shearer has spent over Minister P J Patterson and Opposition so years in service to his country and in Leader Edward Seaga. Representatives of pursuit of the great future he envisioned former Prime Ministers Michael Manley for his homeland and the greater world and Donald Sangster also receive the community. In December of 2002, it was instrument of appointment on behalf of announced that the award of the Order of these individuals who are being awardee the Nation would be conferred on Hugh posthumously. .
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