St Ann honours Garvey, its int'l hero

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

THE ST Ann Homecoming and Heritage Committee has this year continued to pay tribute to the parish's son and Jamaica's first national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, whose legacy transcends the borders of Jamaica.

The committee has officially opened the Marcus Garvey Resource Centre, a collaborative effort with the Jamaica Library Service, and paid tribute to two persons and a community that have led the way in civic-mindedness and volunteerism.

The committee is also continuing its 'Children of Our Village' programme, which draws upon the wisdom of the nation's African ancestors who believed in a community's obligatory involvement in nurturing the youth.

Lauded

The activities are to commemorate the life and works of Garvey, who was born August 17, 1887, and died June 10, 1940.

At its sixth annual banquet held at Sunset Jamaica Grande, the committee paid homage to former principal of Ferncourt High School, Veronica Archer, for her service to education; Dr Frank E. Lawrence for service to community development, and the Sturge Town Community Development Council for its self-help efforts. Norma Blake-James collected the award on behalf of the council.

Sturge Town became Jamaica's second free village when it was established in 1840.

Proceeds from the banquet have been earmarked to provide state-of-the-art equipment and materials for the centre.

The centre is designed to celebrate the life and work of Garvey by preserving his heritage, encouraging the study and exploration of Garvey's contribution to Jamaica and people of African descent.