Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the legendary Pan-African leader Marcus Garvey, received a warm and official welcome to Government House on Wednesday, 31 July 2025. Hosting the distinguished guest was the Governor General’s Deputy, Sir Clare K. Roberts, who extended 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 warmly welcomed Dr. Garvey to Antigua and Barbuda and reflected on the profound significance of the visit:
“Welcome to Antigua and Barbuda, we are excited to have you in our country. 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 emphasized that Marcus Garvey, while officially Jamaica’s national hero, is also held in the highest esteem in Antigua and Barbuda. He publicly called for Garvey to be formally recognized as a national hero of this country, noting:
“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 urged Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde to use his influence in support of this national recognition.
Quoting Garvey’s 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 current disconnect many young people have from their cultural identity and expressed hope that Dr. Garvey’s visit would serve to inspire a renewed sense of pride and purpose among the nation’s youth.
He concluded by thanking Dr. Garvey:
“On behalf of the Governor General and a grateful nation, 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.”
Following the Governor General’s Deputy, Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission, who was also in attendance, extended appreciation to Dr. Garvey for his continuing work and for advancing the legacy of Marcus Garvey through education, entrepreneurship, and the unification of African people both at home and in the diaspora.
Dr. Garvey, in turn, expressed his delight at being in Antigua and Barbuda and his deep appreciation for the warm welcome extended to him. He spoke of his admiration for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and his commitment to advancing the ideals for which his father stood.
Photo caption ( Photo 1): Governor General’s Deputy Sir Clare K. Roberts (centre), Dr. Julius Garvey (right) and Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde (left) at Government House, St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.