THE Keys to the City of Kingston will be presented posthumously on Friday to Jamaica’s first National Hero Marcus Garvey by the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC).

The presentation will be made to his son, Dr Julius Garvey, during a civic ceremony to mark the 125th anniversary of the National Hero’s birth, on Friday, August 17 at Emancipation Park, starting at 4:00 pm.

MARCUS GARVEY… Jamaica’s first national hero

Dr Garvey will be in the island between August 16 and 19 to participate in activities commemorating the anniversary of his father’s birth.

A resolution to make the presentation of the keys, the highest honour that can be bestowed by the KSAC, was passed during the council’s monthly meeting yesterday at its chambers in downtown Kingston.

People’s National Party Councillor Ian Telfer (Hughenden Division), in moving the resolution, said he considered it the nation’s duty to “pay homage to recognise the works of Marcus Garvey and not fall prey to what we’ve seen in the past where others, from other countries, other movements recognise our people prior to us making note ourselves”.

The resolution further stated that August 17 be recognised and celebrated as Marcus Garvey Day.

Mayor of Kingston Councillor Angela Brown-Burke said she was pleased that the motion was passed unanimously and that it spoke to the kind of influence that Marcus Garvey has had on the nation.

“Many of us have grown up with a greater sense of self because of the teachings of Marcus Garvey,” said the mayor.

“I affirm that we can all attest to the fact that blacks have come a far way which is largely attributed to the selfless, pioneering work of this icon. It is against this background I crave your indulgence to come out and share in this wonderful, meaningful and very historic occasion as we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary — a time of Jubilee and national pride,” the mayor added.