PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson is reiterating his support for pending legislation in the United States, that would clear the name of Jamaican National Hero, Marcus Garvey.
On Saturday, Mr. Patterson said it was appropriate that the Jamaican Government and people recognise the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), of the United States Congress, for its "unswerving advocacy in support of the resolution calling for the complete exoneration of Marcus Garvey". He was giving the keynote address during the centenary commemoration of Nobel Prize winner and noted African-American diplomat, Ralph J. Bunche, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Charles Rangel, a Democratic Congressman from New York, has, in every year since 1983, consistently tabled House Resolution 74. The resolution seeks to absolve Jamaica's National Hero, Marcus Garvey, of his conviction for mail fraud in June 1923. It argues that Marcus Garvey's trial was "a miscarriage of justice" and urges Congress to have the Federal record reflect that view.
Garvey's trial and conviction stemmed from the mailing of brochures to members and supporters of his United Negro Improvement Association (UN-IA). The brochures advertised stock in the SS Phyllis Wheatley, a ship the UNIA was negotiating to acquire but did not own.
He was initially charged with three other UNIA officials, but was the only person found guilty of using the mail to defraud potential investors.
Garvey was sentenced to a maximum of five years in the U.S. Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia. His sentence was subsequently commuted in November, 1927, and he was immediately deported to Jamaica.
