Shearer

1962-2007: 45 years of nationhood

Every day until August 6, The Gleaner looks back at significant milestones that have helped shape the nation. Don't miss this nostalgic journey.

Hugh Shearer, Jamaica's third Prime Minister, died quietly at his home in Hope Pastures, St. Andrew.

Born in Martha Brae, Trelawny, the young Shearer joined the staff of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union after leaving St. Simon's College. He rose through the ranks until he succeeded his mentor Sir Alexander Bustamante as president of the Union when he passed away in 1976. Bustamante was Jamaica's first Prime Minister and a National Hero of Jamaica.

Although he was claimed by politics for a portion of his life, it was the welfare of the working class that was para-mount in Shearer's career.

The 2004 Sydney Olympics saw a new Jamaican sprint princess when Veronica Campbell won the Women's 200-metre sprint race.

Veronica Campbell