St. Kitts-Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Laud Pardon of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Call for Full Exoneration

The Governments and people of Saint Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have expressed profound gratitude to President Joe Biden for granting a posthumous pardon to The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, National Hero of Jamaica. This historic decision corrects a century-old injustice and acknowledges the enduring legacy of a global icon whose vision and advocacy transformed the lives of millions.
Saint Kitts and Nevis Honors Garvey’s Legacy
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance M. Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis lauded the pardon as a significant step in addressing historical wrongs. He stated, “This pardon is a momentous acknowledgment of Marcus Garvey’s lifelong dedication to justice and equality. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring those whose contributions have shaped our collective identity.”
Garvey, a towering figure of Pan-Africanism, visited Basseterre, Saint Kitts, in November 1937 and delivered a stirring address at the Mutual Improvement Society Hall, now a historic landmark on Lower Market Street. His powerful words—“Your St. Kitts [and Nevis] will be no greater than your mindset”—continue to inspire the nation’s pursuit of self-determination, progress, and solidarity.
The government also extended congratulations to Jamaica, the birthplace of Garvey, and to his family, whose unwavering advocacy has brought global recognition to his revolutionary contributions.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calls for Full Exoneration
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) also welcomed President Biden’s pardon while emphasizing the need for full exoneration of Garvey. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves described the 1923 mail fraud conviction as a “politically-jaundiced trial” that served as a tool of racial oppression.
SVG reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing campaign for Garvey’s exoneration, highlighting efforts by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, to introduce legislation in the U.S. Congress for this purpose.
Prime Minister Gonsalves recalled a series of initiatives by CARICOM and other international advocates, including letters to U.S. Presidents Obama and Biden, seeking justice for Garvey. While commending the pardon, the SVG government reiterated its call for solidarity in ensuring the visionary leader’s name is fully cleared.
Garvey’s Global Influence
Garvey’s leadership of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and his vision for self-reliance, education, and empowerment laid the foundation for the Pan-African movement and black empowerment worldwide.
As the campaign for his exoneration continues, the nations of the Caribbean reaffirm their commitment to upholding Marcus Garvey’s legacy as a beacon of justice and progress for future generations.

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