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In January 2018, Namibia voted to rename Babs Street in its capital of Windhoek in honor of Jamaica's first national hero, Marcus Garvey. Garvey, who was a supporter of black nationalism in the United States and Jamaica, led a mass movement known as Pan-Africanism and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and the League of African Communities (UNIA-ACL) .
The Jamaican national hero also founded the Black Star Line, a line of expedition and passengers that favored the return of the African diaspora to their ancestral homes. According to a statement by the Namibian government, renaming the street after Garvey should have a positive effect on relations between Namibia and Jamaica. This movement should remind citizens of both countries "where our ancestors come from and where the next generation must go to merge the two nations as they compete for their rightful place in the new world order". [19659003] The street was chosen to be renowned as it houses the Jamaican Consulate office and also connects with the street named in honor of Jamaica's first female prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller.
The current Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, has hailed the action of Namibia, stating that it represents a way to reestablish black bonds around the world. Holness went on to say that the action symbolizes the geocultural and spiritual unification of both nations. He also stressed the importance for African peoples scattered in countries like the Americas and the Caribbean to unite in a gesture that restores the "original ties of family and shared destinies". This is a very good feeling that bodes well for ongoing and future collaboration, "said Holness. [19009005] Andrew Holness in Namibia" width = "200" height = "300" srcset = "http: / /jamaicans.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_20180726_165857-200×300.jpg 200w, http://jamaicans.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_20180726_165857.jpg 683w "sizes =" (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px "/>
Andrew Holness is on the newly renamed Dr. Marcus Garvey Street in Namibia
The Jamaican Prime Minister has stated that naming a street in the Namibian capital in honor of Garvey demonstrates the value of his contributions to countering the negativity faced by blacks in Africa and the diaspora. Jamaica and Namibia have also agreed on a program to remove visa fees and work together to improve trade, investment, sport and culture.
Photo Source: Twitter
