PM Browne Hails George McGuire as Visionary Antiguan Leader
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has praised the late George Alexander McGuire as a pioneering and courageous Antiguan whose global influence deserves greater national recognition.
Speaking on his Browne and Browne radio programme on Pointe FM, the Prime Minister described McGuire as a brilliant figure who helped shape the religious and cultural identity of the African diaspora.
“One of them I wanted us to feature today is George McGuire,” Browne said. “He actually, if I’m not mistaken, would have become a pastor of the same African Orthodox Church that was established by George McGuire.”
Born in 1866 in Sweets, Antigua, McGuire later migrated to the United States, where he faced racial discrimination within the Episcopal Church. In 1921, he founded the African Orthodox Church, which, at the time of his death in 1934, had expanded across North America, South America, and Africa.
“He’s the one who actually wrote all the teachings — documented all the teachings — which tells me that he would have had a significant impact on Marcus [Garvey] in terms of grounding him and orienting him in terms of spirituality,” Browne said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted McGuire’s accomplishments outside the church, including his medical training.
“At one point he took about six years off and went to med school and qualified as a medical doctor… I mean, the man was brilliant, courageous,” he said.
According to Browne, McGuire returned to Antigua around 1913-1918 to care for his ailing mother. During that time, he served both as a physician and a spiritual leader.
“He actually returned to Antigua to care for his mother… and then went back to the United States,” Browne said.
He noted that McGuire was once called upon by colonial authorities to help calm civil unrest on the island.
“There was an uprising taking place here in Antigua, and the British administration called upon him and other spiritual leaders to help to calm the rioters. And you know what he said to them? He said, ‘Pay them more money, man.’ The man was a real revolutionary,” Browne said.
The Prime Minister said McGuire’s life and leadership reflect the spirit of Antiguans who have historically stood up against injustice.
“If it wasn’t for their courage, we would not be here today,” Browne said. “That’s the spirit of the people, you know.”
McGuire’s African Orthodox Church promoted a bold message of religious and racial self-determination. Browne quoted the church’s call to action: “Forget the white gods — return to your own true God.”
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