The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission has issued a formal tribute honoring the life and profound contributions of Glasford ‘King Osagyefu’ Mack, the esteemed Rastafarian elder and spiritual guide who recently passed away. As a foundational pillar of the Big Creek Nyabinghi Theocracy, Mack dedicated his life to advancing Rastafari principles and African cultural consciousness.
Mack emerged as a formidable advocate for institutional recognition of Rastafarian traditions, drawing philosophical inspiration from Marcus Mosiah Garvey’s teachings that positioned Africa as the birthplace of civilization and Black liberation. His activism extended beyond spiritual leadership into tangible reparatory justice initiatives, where he served as a crucial bridge connecting cultural preservation with contemporary social movements.
The Commission specifically highlighted Mack’s decades-long participation in annual Watchnight ceremonies and Emancipation events, where his spiritual guidance and ceremonial presence deepened the historical significance of these observances. Through prayers, chants, and reflective teachings, he reinforced the sacred connection between ancestral remembrance, resistance to oppression, and the ongoing pursuit of reparations.
Mack’s legacy places him within the continuum of distinguished Rastafarian advocates including the late Ras King Frank I and Ras Colin Bone Cumberbatch, previous Commission members whose work fundamentally shaped the organization’s mandate. His interdisciplinary approach merged cultural stewardship with political advocacy, ensuring that Rastafarian traditions remained dynamically engaged with modern justice movements.
The Commission extended heartfelt condolences to Mack’s family, the Big Creek Nyabinghi community, and the Rasfreeman Foundation Unification of Rastafari, recognizing the immeasurable void left by his transition. His lifetime of service established an enduring template for intergenerational cultural transmission and activist spirituality that will continue to influence reparations discourse globally.