The Southern African nation of Namibia, is the latest country to pay homage to Jamaica’s first National Hero, Rt. Excellent Hon Marcus Mosiah Garvey when it renamed a street in the capital Windhoek in his honor.
The street naming ceremony took place on July 23 during Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ working visit to Namibia. Expressing gratitude to the government and people of Namibia, Prime Minister Holness said:
“Naming a street in this capital city of Windhoek in honour of Marcus Garvey represents a demonstration of posterity of the value of the contribution of one who has played a lead role in countering negative appellations forced on black people in Africa and the Diaspora.” He continued
“We in Jamaica are extremely proud yet deeply humbled that you have chosen to honour one of our own in this tangible way. This great gesture will undoubtedly create curiosity among future generations, as they seek answers to the question, who was Marcus Garvey.”
He said Jamaica continues to strengthening ties with its brothers and sisters on the African continent.
“It is a symbol of our geo cultural and spiritual unification. Further it is important for those of us African peoples dispersed far afield in places like the Caribbean and the Americas to have the opportunity to join in a gesture that re-establishes the original bonds of family and shared destinies. It is a truly good feeling that augurs well for ongoing and future collaboration,” declared the Prime Minister.
The Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica’s first national hero was a celebrated Pan Africanist, philosopher and leading exponent of black pride and consciousness. He was a self-declared citizen of a global Africa.
Namibia was originally known as South West Africa and was in reality a colony, (though not legally)of South Africa during that country’s apartheid regime. The South West People’s Organization (SWAPO) waged a relentless liberation war against South African rule and Jamaica was a strong moral voice supporting SWAPO. Many Namibians were invited to train in Jamaica.
Today several of the country’s outstanding track athletes come to Jamaica for training.
