Committee Formed to Rename Streets in St. John’s in Honor of Historical Figures

The Cabinet has decided to honor the legacies of three influential figures by appointing a committee to research and recommend the renaming of three streets in St. John’s.

This initiative marks the initial phase of a broader project aimed at celebrating the contributions of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, George A. Weston, and George Alexander McGuire—three prominent figures associated with the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and the African Orthodox Church.

Marcus Garvey, a key proponent of Pan-Africanism, is remembered for his visit to Antigua in the late 1930s, where he delivered impactful public addresses that left a lasting impression on the local populace.

His advocacy for Black empowerment and unity continues to resonate, highlighting the importance of recognizing his influence in shaping the consciousness of the Antiguan and Barbudan communities.

George Alexander McGuire, born on March 26, 1866, in Antigua, was a notable church leader and physician who played a pivotal role in promoting Black religious autonomy. His involvement with the UNIA began in 1919, and he founded the African Orthodox Church in New York City in 1921.

This church aimed to provide a space for Black Christians, focusing on spiritual and racial autonomy, encouraging congregants to reconnect with their true heritage.

George A. Weston, who hailed from Green Bay, Antigua, emerged as a leader in the UNIA and later returned to Antigua after World War II to further the mission of the African Orthodox Church.

Weston was instrumental in promoting Garvey’s philosophies of racial pride and economic independence, founding initiatives like Negro History Week and local businesses designed for sustainability within the community.

The newly formed committee comprises prominent members including Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde, Chairman of the Reparations Commission; Historian Ambassador Lionel Max Hurst; Director of the National Archives, Gavin Emmanuel; Antiguan Author Cortwright Davis; and a representative from the Antigua and Barbuda Progressive Society in New York.

This team is also charged with identifying other unsung heroes from Antigua and Barbuda deserving of recognition.

The renaming initiative serves not just to honor these historical figures but also to inspire future generations by recognizing the profound impact of their contributions to Black empowerment and community development.