The Editor
Statement From Prime Minister Holness ON, PC, MP
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| Prime Minister Andrew Holness |
Today, the Government and people of Jamaica proudly welcome the historic decision of the Government of the United States of America to grant posthumous clemency to our nation’s first National Hero, The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887–1940). This is a momentous step toward righting a grave historical wrong committed against one of the most significant civil rights leaders and Pan-Africanists in history.Garvey, a son of the soil, was unjustly convicted of mail fraud in 1923 and sentenced to five years of imprisonment—a conviction that tarnished the legacy of a visionary leader whose life was dedicated to the empowerment of people of African descent. While his sentence was commuted by President Calvin Coolidge in 1927, successive Jamaican governments have worked tirelessly to have his name fully cleared. This decision represents not just a victory for Jamaica but for justice, truth, and humanity.As Prime Minister, I consider this clemency a first step toward the total exoneration and expungement of this historical injustice. In 2018, our Administration passed The National Heroes and Other Freedom Fighters (Absolution from Criminal Liability in Respect of Specified Acts) Act, clearing the records of Jamaica’s National Heroes and freedom fighters who were wrongfully accused and convicted during their struggle for our freedom. This legislative action reflects Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to preserving the honor and legacy of those who fought for justice and equality.I extend my deepest gratitude to President Joe Biden for his consideration in this matter. I also wish to thank the many private citizens who signed petitions, the Jamaican diaspora, friends of Jamaica, and successive Governments of Jamaica, all of whom have lobbied for this moment with persistence and determination.The Right Excellent Marcus Garvey embodied the indomitable spirit of Jamaica. He rose from humble beginnings in St. Ann to become a global leader who inspired millions through his ideals of self-reliance, racial pride, and unity. As founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and the Black Star Line, he ignited a global movement that celebrated African identity and heritage. His impact is immortalized in history, with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. describing him as “the first man of colour in the history of the United States to lead and develop a mass movement.”Today, January 19, 2025, will forever be remembered as a day of triumph for justice and a proud moment for the people of Jamaica. The removal of the unjust stain on Marcus Garvey’s name restores the full dignity and honour he has always deserved as a champion of freedom, empowerment, and equality.As we celebrate today, let us recommit to carrying forward Garvey’s vision of unity, progress, and empowerment for all. His legacy is a testament to the strength and greatness of Jamaica and its people.May his life and work continue to inspire us to build a more just, united, and equitable world.
Statement From Mark Golding MP
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| Opposition Leader Mark Golding. |
I acknowledge with pleasure President Biden’s exoneration of Jamaican National Hero and Panafricanist, the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey who was arrested and imprisoned in 1923 when he was convicted of mail fraud and sentenced to five years in prison. Appeals followed and Mr Garvey was imprisoned from 1925-1927 as US President Calvin Coolidge commuted the sentence and had him deported.
Marcus Garvey’s exoneration corrects a grave historical misscarriage of justice that resulted from an illegal, intelligence-led operation designed to disable the influential 20th century Pan Africanist movement the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), that had captured the imagination of hundreds of thousands of people of African descent.
President Biden’s action acknowledges the profound impact that Garvey had in shaping the narratives of freedom, equality, and justice. Garvey’s principles of unity and self-determination served to solidify and embolden the mandate of social justice movements in Africa and its diaspora; and will also encourage a new generation of Pan Africanist advocates to assume a mantle of leadership with a renewed sense of purpose. The decision is a call to action to African peoples to advance the agenda that Mr. Garvey was promoting over a century ago.It is a vindication of the principles for which Garvey stood.
Marcus Garvey, a visionary and an extraordinary Panafricanist, played a pivotal role in advocating for the empowerment and upliftment of African peoples globally. A Jamaican by birth, Garvey’s influence transcended borders, inspiring countless individuals to take pride in their heritage, reclaim their identity, and strive for the liberation of their peoples. His ideas continue to resonate today, calling us to action and urging us to recognize our shared responsibility towards one another.
Marcus Garvey’s philosophies were deeply ingrained in the civil rights movements across our region and beyond. His call for a universal African identity, a call for Africans to embrace their true selves and work together for the betterment of their communities, remains as vital today as it was during the early 20th century. We have witnessed the impact of his teachings in our local contexts, inspiring generations to stand up for their rights and demand justice.
While grave issues of inequity and imbalance continue to face African peoples and the Diaspora, this action provides a beacon of hope— and is an emblem of resilience and determination. Action, self-reliance, the vision of self and the future have been the only means by which the oppressed have seen and realized the light of their own freedom. Let us continue to draw inspiration from his life and work, pushing forward with strength and unity as we strive for a brighter, more just future for all. The willingness to right historical wrongs not only restores honour to Marcus Garvey but also paves the way for future dialogues on race, equality, and justice. Let us honour this legacy by working together towards a more equitable and inclusive world.
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