Dr. Julius Garvey, son of Pan-African icon Marcus Garvey, was formally welcomed to Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday during an official visit to Government House, where he was received by Sir Clare K. Roberts, Deputy to the Governor General.

Speaking on behalf of His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Clare offered heartfelt remarks celebrating the legacy of Marcus Garvey and the enduring impact of his philosophy on Black pride, unity, and economic self-determination.

“Welcome to Antigua and Barbuda, we are excited to have you in our country. It is a special honour for me to touch the flesh of Marcus Garvey’s son, in a way it is touching Marcus Garvey himself, as the blood of Marcus Garvey runs in your veins, Dr. Garvey.” said Sir Clare.

He further called for Marcus Garvey to be formally recognised as a national hero of Antigua and Barbuda, praising the Jamaican-born leader’s influence on generations of Antiguans and Barbudans.

“His activism and emphasis on Black pride, Black unity, and economic empowerment of Black people wherever they might be have inspired generations of Antiguans and Barbudans, including our nation’s leaders.” said Sir Clare.

Sir Clare urged Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission, to use his influence in support of this national recognition.

Quoting Garvey’s famous words “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”, Sir Clare reflected on the need to restore cultural identity among the youth and expressed hope that Dr. Garvey’s presence would inspire national reflection and renewal.

Dr. Garvey, visibly moved by the warm reception, expressed gratitude and admiration for the Antiguan people and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding his father’s legacy through education, entrepreneurship, and unity across the African diaspora.

Ambassador O’Marde also praised Dr. Garvey for his tireless efforts to carry forward the mission of his father, particularly in advocating for cultural pride, mental liberation, and economic empowerment.

Dr. Garvey’s visit is part of a regional tour promoting the life and work of Marcus Garvey and calling for broader recognition of his global contributions to Black liberation and Pan-African consciousness.