US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.

Devon Evans, Sunday Gleaner Writer

St. Ann:

Member of the United States House of Representatives, Honour Yvette Clarke,has said a greater level of unity among the Jamaican population is necessary at this time in order to move the country forward.

She said if Jamaicans are truly united and are able to incorporate the teaching of National Hero Marcus Garvey into a 21st century understanding of who we are as a people, the country will be on the road to achieving greater progress.

In an obvious reference to the present election campaign, Congresswoman Clarke said she hoped that from the "weeks of distraction", Jamaicans will emerge a very focused and united nation, routed in the values and teachings of Garvey.

Congresswoman Clarke, who is the daughter of Jamaican-born former U.S. Councilwoman Una Clarke and her Jamaican husband Leslie Clarke, was guest speaker at the third annual awards banquet of the St. Ann Homecoming and Heritage Committee, held at Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort in Ocho Rios, on Friday night.

The banquet was held in honour of the 120th anniversary of the birth of National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

Congresswoman Clarke argued that Jamaica is blessed with an abundance of human talent with which it can rock the world when the people are focused.

She called on Jamaicans to find their own destiny and to build on the legacy and inheritance of Marcus Garvey.

Congresswoman Clarke praised members of the St. Ann Homecoming and heritage Committee for their efforts in trying not only to preserve the legacy of Garvey, but also to provide an opportunity for people to develop their knowledge and awareness of the work and teachings of Jamaica's first National Hero.

Contributing to Resource Centre

Proceeds from Friday's banquet will go towards the establishment of the Marcus Garvey Resource Centre on the compound of the St. Ann Parish Library in St. Anns Bay.

Both Congresswoman Clarke and her mother Una were honoured by the St. Ann Homecoming Committee for their remarkable achievements.

Two outstanding sons of St. Ann were also honoured for their contribution to nation building. They are former deputygovernor of the Bank of Jamaica, Dr. Owen Jefferson, and prominent attorney-at-law, Walter Scott.

Citations were read by committee members Dorothy Salmon, Claudille Sydial and chairman, Herbert Murdock.

Custos of St. Ann and patron of the Homecoming and Heritage Committee, Radcliffe Walters, thanked those who continued to contribute to the committee's activities, noting that their contribution would go towards developing a better St. Ann, as well as a better Jamaica in particular.