KSAMC to name council chambers in honour of Marcus Garvey

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is to name its council chambers in honour of Jamaica's first national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey. 

The resolution, which received unanimous support from councillors, was moved by Eugene Kelly, councillor of the Whitfield Town Division, and seconded by deputy mayor, Delroy Williams. 

The naming will take place on August 17, the birthday of Garvey, during a special sitting of the council. 

Garvey established Jamaica's first modern political party in December 1928, the People's Political Party. 

He was elected municipal councillor on October 31, 1929 in the KSAMC to represent the Allman Town Division, despite facing intense opposition from incumbent councillor members and other agencies, including the media. 

Garvey ran again, unopposed, in 1930.

“Councillor Garvey had quite a stressful time just being seated in this chamber and certainly it is what we call poetic justice that we should name this chamber in his honour,”  Kelly said. 

Extolling Garvey's global influence and his leadership in establishing the largest black organisation, the Universal Negro Improvement Association, Williams said Garvey was executing a godly mandate. 

“From my perspective I believe that Marcus Mosiah Garvey at the time he came into this world, and his contribution, and his purpose driven life, I believe that he was sent by God,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Councillor Dennis Gordon, who represents the Maxfield Park Division, urged his colleagues to model the qualities that Garvey displayed. 

“How many of us in this chamber have really embraced the teachings of Marcus Garvey and are prepared to pass it on to the next generations?” he asked. 

This call was supported by Christine Richards, Councillor for the Brandon Hill Division. 

“Let the naming of these chambers after Marcus Mosiah Garvey be not only a remembrance but a charge, each time we walk into council chambers let us be confident, believe in our people, giving service above self and be inspired for greatness,” she said.

- Sashana Small

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