Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed Dr. Julius Garvey, esteemed vascular surgeon and son of the legendary Pan-African leader Marcus Mosiah Garvey, in a significant courtesy visit aimed at honoring black empowerment, shared Caribbean-African heritage, and fostering future collaborations to strengthen ties across the African diaspora.

The meeting took place at the Office of the Prime Minister and served as both a personal and symbolic occasion, underscoring Antigua and Barbuda’s dedication to commemorating the legacy of one of history’s most influential Black figures while pursuing contemporary initiatives to enhance connections between Africa and the Caribbean.

During the visit, Prime Minister Browne expressed his deep appreciation to Dr. Garvey for his dedication to continuing his father’s legacy, emphasizing that Marcus Garvey’s impact was pivotal in shaping the political consciousness and activism that contributed to the decolonization of the Caribbean and the emergence of independent nations like Antigua and Barbuda.

“Your father awakened in us a sense of pride and identity,” stated Prime Minister Browne. “He taught us that we were kings and queens long before the impacts of slavery and colonialism diminished that understanding.”

The Prime Minister reflected on Garvey’s significant influence on the trade union movement, the fight for independence, and the Rastafari movement, describing him as a visionary whose ideas continue to resonate with urgency and relevance today.

Browne also revealed that the Cabinet is actively considering renaming a prominent street in the capital to Marcus Garvey Drive, in tribute to Garvey’s historic address to Antiguans in 1937. Additionally, he shared plans to honor local figures—George Alexander McGuire and George Weston—who played key roles in Garvey’s movement and were instrumental in the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and the African Orthodox Church.

“We must honor not only Marcus Garvey,” the Prime Minister emphasized, “but also the Antiguans who stood alongside him in the global fight for Black dignity, self-reliance, and liberation.”

Prime Minister Browne highlighted his government’s bold initiative to establish direct air travel between Nigeria and Antigua and Barbuda, an endeavor inspired by Garvey’s Black Star Line. Although a charter flight from Lagos to St. John’s was launched in 2022, it faced challenges after the arrival of over 600 conflict migrants from Cameroon raised security concerns and public misunderstandings.

Despite political backlash, Browne remained steadfast: “We did the right thing. We aimed to forge a tangible connection between Africa and the Caribbean. Like Marcus Garvey, we’ve encountered obstacles, but we will not waver.”

He announced that Antigua and Barbuda has since partnered with Air Peace, a notable Nigerian airline that now holds a majority share in the regional carrier LIAT. Scheduled flights are expected to begin early next year, positioning Antigua as a central hub for African-Caribbean exchanges in trade and tourism.

At 92 years old, Dr. Garvey commended Prime Minister Browne’s leadership and the significance of continuing his father’s mission through impactful actions that uplift Black communities worldwide.

“Your initiatives reflect my father’s core values—Pan-African unity, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride,” remarked Dr. Garvey.

He stressed the necessity for institutional ties between the Caribbean and Africa. “We must establish consistent travel, trade, and cultural diplomacy between our populations—not just once-a-decade conferences, but true, ongoing engagement.”

Dr. Garvey urged CARICOM and African Union leaders to invest in connectivity and youth exchanges, arguing that the next generation should inherit both the spirit and infrastructure of Pan-Africanism.

“The African diaspora is a sleeping giant. If we activate it with unity and purpose, we can transform the world,” he asserted.

He pledged to preserve his father’s legacy, viewing it not merely as history but as a dynamic foundation for current development and unity.

“We must remember that we are African people, whether we reside in Lagos, Kingston, or St. John’s. We are one people with one destiny,” he stated.

Dr. Garvey emphasized the importance of enhancing education, diaspora connections, and economic cooperation, urging leaders across the Caribbean and Africa to embrace Garveyite principles of unity, sovereignty, and self-determination.

“My father taught us to find strength within ourselves, rather than relying on others for assistance. This message must direct how we build our economies, communities, and the futures of our children,” he concluded.

Prime Minister Browne reiterated his commitment to strengthening Caribbean-African ties and called on CARICOM and African Union member states to support direct air and sea links, even considering short-term subsidies if necessary.