UWI PROFESSOR PUTS HERO’S MANIFESTO AT CENTRE OF ANNUAL GARVEY LECTURE
ST ANN’S BAY, St Ann; June 9, 2025
Marcus Garvey’s vision for the development of Jamaica, which he detailed in his political party manifesto of 1929, has been achieved in some critical areas but remains unaddressed in others.
This was the thesis discussed at the 14th Marcus Garvey Lecture, presented by UWI Professor Alvin Wint on Friday, June 6, at the St. Ann’s Bay Library.
(A section of the audience at the lecture, Prof Wint is at front left and beside him Maisie Wint; at right, is former Custos Norma Walters)
Prof Wint spoke on the topic, “Advancing Garvey’s Vision of Economic Independence for Jamaica.” PROFESSOR WINT TO DELIVER GARVEY LECTURE
The annual lecture is organised by the St. Ann Homecoming and Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the Jamaica Library Service and Discovery Bauxite and celebrates the life and legend of Garvey by marking the anniversary of his death on June 10, 1940.
Professor Wint based his presentation on Garvey’s party manifesto, which included Universal Adult Suffrage, a minimum wage, land reform, the creation of a Jamaican University, secondary education in every parish, island-wide electricity, and a national library network.
(Custos Joey Issa bringing greeting at the Garvey Lecture)
The lecturer classed the manifesto as ‘brilliant’, pointing out that it was framed at a time when there was a lack of interest in any form of social or educational reform for the black population, which made up the underclass. He said it was a time when there was no consideration of expanding voting rights beyond the reach of the capitalist elite that controlled the economy and the society.
Taking on what he called “the key elements of the manifesto that are important for small countries to become successful”, he argued that Jamaica has achieved success in political stability, infrastructure development, and opened the doors for education at all levels of the society, and has made significant and world rated advances in macroeconomic stability.
While leaving it up to his audience to consider whether Garvey would have been pleased with these advances, Prof Wint suggested that many of the National Hero’s recommendations have been met. He highlighted, for example, the University network across Jamaica, every parish with at least one high school, a minimum wage, a national electric grid, and a national library system.
(Professor Alvin Wint making a point on Garvey’s vision)
The public lecture was well attended with an audience headed by former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall, St. Ann Custos Joseph Issa, and former custodes Norma Walters and Radcliffe Walters.
Professor Wint joined a distinguished lecture presenters including Sir Kenneth, Rex Nettleford, P.J. Patterson, historian Arnold Bertram, Lord Anthony Gifford, and University lecturer Dr. Kadamawe “K’Nife’.
