KINGSTON, Jamaica – Christopher Issa, chief executive officer of the S-Hotel chain in Jamaica, is among the long list of individuals lauding the United States’ posthumous pardon of Jamaican National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, dubbing it a move long overdue.

Issa’s hotels in Montego Bay and Kingston, commissioned two statues of Garvey, which were erected at S-Hotel Montego Bay in 2019, and inside S-Foods Supermarket in Kingston in 2022.

In a release from S Hotel, Issa said the pardon will only amplify the teachings and works of the leader who continues to make Jamaica and its people proud even in death.

Many Jamaicans, particularly, the young, are unaware of their rich history and culture, and this monumental move will only bring them closer to their roots.

“I’ve always felt it was more his message at the time and the unfortunate financial circumstances that led to his problems, but his heart, his cause, his words, were always right,” Issa said.

He added: “I grew up hearing about Marcus Garvey. He used to visit my great grandfather Elias Issa regularly at his office downtown, and he would help him financially with his work. Personally, this is what influenced my decision regarding the statues as well.”

The hotelier underscored that many Jamaican icons, including Bob Marley, were heavily influenced by Garvey’s teachings.

“I think that a people without knowledge of their history is like a tree without roots,” said Issa, outlining added reasons for commissioning the statues.

“I feel that these statues, bring Jamaicans and foreigners who visit the locations closer together, giving them a sense of pride, while fostering our resilience as a people. This is what Marcus Garvey fought so long and hard for. The statues will definitely bring that knowledge home to the children in particular,” he added.

Former US President Joe Biden pardoned five people on Sunday, including Marcus Garvey.

Garvey was arrested and imprisoned in 1923 when he was convicted of mail fraud and sentenced to five years in prison. Following appeals, US President Calvin Coolidge commuted the sentence and had him deported to Jamaica.

Horace Hines