Alexander Bustamante, then making his appearance on the Jamaican political and trade union stage, was also a habitué of Arlington House, and it was there that Gladys Longbridge, working as cashier, caught the eye of the man who was later to become the most powerful person in Jamaica.

When Bustamante leapt into the struggle for better conditions for Jamaican worker, Gladys Longbridge became his secretary. Constantly at his side, faithful companion and adoring admirer, she was with him as he faced the fires of the Frome riots. She was with him in the heat of the labour unrest in Kingston and throughout the island during the turbulent days of 1938.

As she remained steadfast in her association with the 'Chief', as trusted aide and loyal supporter, she shared with unswerving devotion in his work for the two organisations which he founded and which stand today as mighty monuments to his memory: the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), both of which she served untiringly until death.

To the BITU, she gave dedicated and efficient service in the important posts of treasurer and trustee, ensuring that the union's financial affairs were in good order at all times. In the JLP, she served as a member of the executive council and as trustee, performing an effective role behind the scenes to assist in keeping the party in the forefront of Jamaican politics.

Her relationship with Sir Alexander was such that when, as chief minister of Jamaica, he visited England in 1951 on a goodwill mission, his faithful 'Miss G' accompanied him. The final seal was placed on their companionship when they got married in September 1963.

On the elevation of the Chief to knighthood, she became Lady Bustamante, a distinction eminently deserved by one who had shown total commitment to the task of building a better Jamaica and whose long and close association with one of the founding fathers of the nation more than justified her being conferred with the honorific, if unofficial, title of 'Mother of the Nation'.

As she was in his triumphant years as labour leader and powerful politician, Lady Bustamante remained Sir Alexander's devoted helpmate when illness and advancing old took a toll on his health and strength.

She made his twilight years a period of loving care and attention at the beautiful home, Bellencita, which she established in the cool hills above Kingston as a retreat and a peaceful place of retirement from public life.

After the national hero's death in 1977, Lady B continued to live her characteristic quiet and demure life. Such honour and recognition that came to her were accepted with dignity and grace. She enjoyed the comfort and privacy of her home, playing music and tending her garden.

With no children of her own, she devoted a great deal of attention to the children of others. She gave unstinting service as patron of the Bustamante Hospital for Children and also gave of her time and charity to the social welfare of the young.