Meaning
A very hard, chewy candy made from coconut and dark sugar or molasses, cooked until it sets into a tough, jaw-testing bar — so hard it is jokingly named for the sturdy 'backbone' of national hero Alexander Bustamante. Often shortened to 'busta', it is a beloved old-time Jamaican sweet, sold in shops and by vendors, and it belongs with grater cake, cut cake, and drops among the classic homemade confections. Its playful name, honouring the tough old founding father, is half the fun of it.
Examples
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Di bustamante backbone hard till it nearly bruk yuh teeth.
The bustamante backbone is so hard it nearly breaks your teeth.
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Gi mi a busta from di shop.
Give me a busta from the shop.
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Dem sweet did dark an sticky like busta.
The sweets were dark and sticky like busta.
Origin
Named humorously for the toughness ('backbone') of Alexander Bustamante, the labour leader and first Prime Minister; 'busta' is the common short form.
How it’s used
A hard coconut-and-sugar candy; the name nods to national hero Bustamante.