The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Sunday expressed “profound gratitude” to the outgoing Biden administration in the United States after it gave a posthumous pardon to Jamaica’s National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, after many years of campaigning.
In a statement reported by the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), CARICOM Chairman and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said, “this long-awaited exoneration” to Garvey, a distinguished civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist leader, “is testament to the unwavering advocacy of CARICOM leaders, both individually and collectively, along with countless members of the diaspora, for the rectification of the unjust conviction of an ardent advocate for the rights and liberties of individuals of African descent.
Mottley added that, “CARICOM extends its heartfelt congratulations to his son, Julius Garvey, and other members of his family, as well as to the Government and People of Jamaica, and all who honour the remarkable legacy of this extraordinary son of our region. His life and work continue to inspire and influence both within and beyond the Caribbean.”
Earlier, Jamaica welcomed the pardon, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness hailing the announcement as a “proud and historic day” for Jamaica.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness
“As prime minister, I consider this clemency a first step toward the total exoneration and expungement of this historical injustice,” he added.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding called the exoneration of Garvey a correction of a historic wrong stemming from “an illegal, intelligence-led operation” aimed at crippling Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).
“President Biden’s action acknowledges the profound impact that Garvey had in shaping the narratives of freedom, equality, and justice,” Golding said.
Opposition Leader Mark Golding
He added that Garvey’s legacy continues to embolden social justice movements across Africa and the diaspora, while inspiring a new generation of Pan-Africanist advocates.
The CMC noted that in 2018, Jamaica passed The National Heroes and Other Freedom Fighters (Absolution from Criminal Liability in Respect of Specified Acts) Act, which cleared the records of Jamaica’s National Heroes and freedom fighters who were deemed wrongfully accused and convicted during their struggle for freedom.
“This legislative action reflects Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to preserving the honour and legacy of those who fought for justice and equality,” Holness said, while urging Jamaicans to recommit to Garvey’s vision of unity, progress and empowerment.
The decision on Sunday from the outgoing Democratic leader follows sustained advocacy from several US lawmakers, including Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus.
Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants and Brooklyn representative, led multiple calls for Garvey’s exoneration, arguing the conviction was a result of governmental misconduct aimed at discrediting the influential civil rights leader.
The posthumous pardon comes 101 years after Garvey was convicted of mail fraud in 1923 in a case that was marred by prosecutorial and governmental misconduct. He was sentenced to five years of imprisonment – a sentence that was commuted by US President Calvin Coolidge in 1927.
Garvey is credited as the first man to organise a mass movement among African-Americans. He was also the founder of the Black Star Line shipping company and the Pan-African UNIA.
