In a momentous celebration of his 90th birthday, former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, the Statesman-in-Residence of the PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy, gifted the University of the West Indies (The UWI) a replica of Barrington Watson's renowned 1998 painting, - ‘The Pan-Africanists.’
The mural was unveiled on Saturday, 12th April, at the PJ Patterson Institute, coinciding with a grand birthday celebration for the esteemed Statesman at The UWI's West Road Park.
PJ Patterson, who is a staunch advocate for Pan-Africanism and Global Africa, donated the mural to The UWI as a testament to his enduring commitment to fostering Africa-Caribbean connections and promoting African-centric values and identity within the diaspora.
The mural is on display for both members of the University community and the wider public to see. It is an interesting gathering of early Pan-Africanists and freedom fighters, including Kwame Nkrumah, Harriet Tubman, Marcus Garvey, and Andrew Young, among others. It serves as a firm reminder of some of the intellectual giants and leaders who challenged the tenets of colonialism and imperialism to awaken an awareness of racism and the injustices of European dominance and a consciousness of who we are as African descendants. It is a welcome addition to the creative landscape of the University.