JAMAICA | P.J. Patterson Welcomes Garvey Pardon, Hails Work of Rep. Yvette Clarke

KINGSTON, Jamaica, January 19, 2025 - Former Prime Minister and Statesman in Residence of the UWI's P.J. Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy, the Most Hon P.J. Patterson has extended "heartfelt congratulations to United States President Joe Biden for his decision to grant a posthumous pardon to Jamaica's National Hero and Pan-African visionary Marcus Mosiah Garvey."

In a statement today, Mr. Patterson said " This initial redress , comes on the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and represents a long overdue step forward  for justice and reconciliation in the struggle for victory and historical reconciliation.

"Our ultimate goal must remain the posthumous exoneration  for Marcus Garvey.The timing, immediately preceding Dr. King's holiday, powerfully connects two towering figures in the fight for human dignity and equality."

He pointed out that "the breakthrough follows sustained diplomatic efforts and advocacy from Caribbean prime ministers, scholars, citizens and community, and faith leaders, noting that "the recent appeal led by our own Yvette Clarke,  chair of the Congressional Black Caucus  was instrumental in securing this historic outcome."

"This pardon represents  a powerful acknowledgment of the struggle for mental emancipation and self-determination that Marcus Garvey championed” Patterson emphasized.

"Today's decision resonates deeply with movements for equality, justice,everywhere. and unity across the African diaspora and indeed, all of humanity who support equal rights and justice

The Patterson institute was among.those urging President Biden to have taken earlier action through fresh judicial proceedings which would have resulted in. a full exoneration which would have required additional judicial proceedings through the U.S. Department of Justice.

“However, we regard with some relief the President's expression of his awareness that outstanding Legal Scholars regard the trial as unjust and a clear miscarriage of justice” Mr Patterson stated.

"Marcus Garvey's vision of human dignity, economic empowerment, and cultural pride continues to inspire generations," Patterson noted.

"This pardon reminds us of the continuing relevance of Garvey's message of unity and self-reliance for peoples of African descent,” Mr. Patterson concluded.

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