In a historic ceremony marked by rain, Prime Minister Michael Manley unveiled a life-size statue of Jamaica’s National Hero, Marcus Garvey, at Lawrence Park, St. Ann’s Bay. Despite the weather disrupting the event, over 10,000 attendees from across the island gathered to witness the tribute. Prime Minister Manley praised Garvey as a universal champion for the freedom of black people.

Published October 18, 1976

Garvey statue unveiled

The unveiling of the life-size statue of National hero Marcus Garvey at Lawrence Park, St. Ann’s Bay, was done yesterday by Prime Minister Michael Manley during rain, which sharply curtailed the ceremony before the unveiling.

Only a small number of the over 10,000 persons from almost all the parishes who attended saw the actual unveiling. This was largely due to some confusion during the rain as people moved from one section of the expansive Lawrence Park to the other for shelter.

In unveiling the statue, Prime Minister Manley spoke about the principles that Garvey stood for. He said that Marcus Garvey was the great Jamaican who fought for the freedom of black people universally. He told the gathering that the rain could well be “showers of blessing”.

Garvey’s son

Also addressing the ceremony was Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the late National Hero, who arrived in the island on Saturday to attend the function. The citation was read by the Most Hon. Florizel Glasspole, Governor-General.

Shortly after the unveiling, the rain, which had broken up the parade of Girl Guides, cadets, members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, students from the Marcus Garvey Secondary School and other schools, ceased. The third part of the programme, which included flag raising to Jamaica’s seven National Heroes and entertainment from the Mystic Revelation of Rastafarian Band, got under way.

Among those attending were Mrs. Michael Manley;  Mrs. Enda Manley, widow of National Hero, Rt. Excellent, Norman Manley; Senator Arnold Bertram; Mrs. Rex Nettleford; Brigadier Rudolph Green; the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Basil Robinson, as well as other government officials.

Mr. Isaac Rose, 92, schoolmate and friend of Garvey, planted a tree on the site of the statue.

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