Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the legendary Pan-African leader and Jamaica’s national hero Marcus Garvey, was officially welcomed to Government House on Wednesday, July 31, 2025. The Governor General’s Deputy, Sir Clare K. Roberts, hosted the distinguished guest, extending greetings on behalf of His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, and the people of the nation.
In his remarks, Sir Clare described the moment as deeply significant, both personally and nationally. “Welcome to Antigua and Barbuda. We are excited to have you in our country,” he said. “It is a special honour for me to touch the flesh of Marcus Garvey’s son—in a way it is touching Marcus Garvey himself, as the blood of Marcus Garvey runs in your veins, Dr. Garvey.”
Sir Clare praised Marcus Garvey as a towering figure whose influence extended far beyond Jamaica. While acknowledging Garvey’s status as Jamaica’s national hero, Sir Clare publicly called for his formal recognition as a national hero in Antigua and Barbuda.
“His activism and emphasis on Black pride, Black unity, and economic empowerment of Black people wherever they might be have inspired generations of Antiguans and Barbudans, including our nation’s leaders,” he said, urging Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde to lend his support to the cause.
Quoting Garvey’s famous words, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots,” Sir Clare expressed concern about the disconnection many young people feel from their heritage. He expressed hope that Dr. Garvey’s visit would inspire a renewed sense of cultural pride among the nation’s youth.
“On behalf of the Governor General and a grateful nation,” he concluded, “thank you for ensuring that your father’s legacy continues to thrive as you share his message of mental liberation, cultural awareness, and economic development of our people.”
Ambassador O’Marde, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission, echoed the sentiments, praising Dr. Garvey’s continuing efforts to advance his father’s legacy through education, entrepreneurship, and the unification of African people both at home and across the diaspora.
In his response, Dr. Garvey expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception. He spoke of his admiration for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and reaffirmed his commitment to carrying forward the ideals for which his father stood.
“It is a pleasure to be here among a people who understand the value of unity, self-reliance, and pride in our heritage,” he said.
During his visit, Dr. Garvey also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. E.P. Chet Greene. Minister Greene described their discussions as both meaningful and motivating. “Our conversations were inspiring and served as motivation in this era of Black consciousness and awareness,” the minister said.
Dr. Garvey’s visit marks not only a symbolic connection to one of the most influential figures in the Pan-African movement but also an opportunity to inspire future generations in Antigua and Barbuda to embrace their heritage and continue the struggle for unity, empowerment, and self-determination.
