JAMAICA-Jamaicans urged to reflect on the legacy first national hero – Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaicans are being encouraged to reflect on the teachings of the country’s first National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, which resonate deeply with the principles of nation-building.

Minister of State made the call in the Ministry of Education Marsha Smith during a civic ceremony held on Thursday in St. Ann’s Bay, in the northern parish of St.Ann, to commemorate the 136th anniversary of Garvey’s birth.

The event was held under the theme ‘Garvey’s Teachings Still a Pillar of Nation-Building.’

Smith encouraged Jamaicans to use Garvey’s teachings as stepping stones for self-improvement, re-examining goals, and forging new paths forward as one people.

She noted that in endorsing Garvey’s philosophy, Jamaicans embrace the responsibility and opportunity to contribute to the country’s ongoing development, just as he envisioned.

“So today, let us not solely go through the motions of remembrance, but let us see today as an opportunity for self-evaluation and accounting,” Smith stated.

“This self-evaluation and accounting allow us to live our lives with renewed commitment and to take advantage of every opportunity, and where there is no opportunity, we make it for ourselves,” she added.

For his part, the Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Sydney Stewart, acknowledged the influential leader as one of the greatest philosophers globally, underlining his global significance and contributions.

He also highlighted the debt of gratitude owed to Marcus Garvey by St. Ann, the National Hero’s birthplace.

Stewart maintained that it was not only about honoring and celebrating Garvey and urged Jamaicans to delve into his enduring work and journey encompassing Jamaica and the world beyond.

“So each August, on the 17th, we celebrate and take great pleasure in honoring Marcus Garvey. I say this on behalf of all the citizens of St. Ann,” the Mayor said.

The ceremony, which was also used to commemorate the 59th year of Marcus Garvey’s declaration as a National Hero, saw the laying of floral tributes in his honor and a marching parade by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and other uniformed groups.