Minister of Education, Youth and Culture Maxine Henry-Wilson (centre) in discussion with Stephanie Marley (left), daughter of Bob Marley, and Donisha Prendergast, Marley's granddaughter, at a press conference at Jamaica House to announce a year-long programme of activities to mark the 60th anniversary of Marley's birth and to commemorate his life and music. (Photo: JIS)

PRIME Minister PJ Patterson announced Tuesday that the government has organised a year-long celebration of the 60th anniversary of the late reggae icon Robert 'Bob' Nesta Marley.

The theme: 'Natural Mystic - The Legend Lives'.

"We believe that this programme is a fitting tribute from the nation of his birth," said Patterson. "The comprehensive programme is designed to involve Jamaicans at all levels throughout the island and overseas."

Speaking at a Jamaica House press conference, Patterson also remarked on the contribution of the late Dennis Brown, another music icon whose anniversary was marked February 1.

Cedella Marley Booker, mother of late reggae legend Bob Marley, sends a kiss to the public after performing on stage in Addis Ababa City Hall, Ethiopia, on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the month-long festivities taking place in her son's honour. Marley's widow, Rita, together with the African Union and UNICEF, is organising the $1 million extravaganza, dubbed 'Africa Unite' in honour of one of Bob's most famous songs. (Photo: AP)

"It is a happy coincidence," said the prime minister.
"He was an inspiration to all of us. His positive message and the decorum with which he always conducted himself made him a positive role model for young Jamaicans and fans all over the world. He is sadly missed but happily, his music lives on," said Patterson of Brown.

In lauding Bob Marley, the PM said that it was Marley's message and his music that was responsible for the pervasiveness of Jamaican reggae music in the international popular culture.

Celebrations are also underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where a month of activities got underway February 1, under the theme 'Africa Unite'.

The activities for the year were outlined by Minister of Education, Youth and Culture Maxine Henry-Wilson, who highlighted five principal events:

. Bob Marley Symposia series, which commenced in Westmoreland, moved to Clarendon yesterday, travels today to St Mary, and moves to St Thomas on Friday;

. Bob Marley Natural Mystic - The Legend Lives On concert;

. Annual Jamaica Day in schools on February 4 under the theme: 'Nationbuilders Celebrating Marley';

. Culture Expo 2005 - A celebration of Emanci-pendence 2005, August 1-8; and

. the Prime Minister's gala, featuring artistes singing Marley's songs.

Collaborators on the activities include the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission and 'the peace healers' chaired by Professor Barry Chevannes, who have spearheaded a campaign for a Violence-Free Day on February 6, Bob's birthday.

Violence Free Day kicked off yesterday with cyclists riding around the island with the theme of Bob Marley's 'one love, one heart' philosophy embedded in the governor general's message to be read by the parish custodees.

The cyclists are expected to complete their one-week trip on Sunday, February 6, culminating in a free concert at Emancipation Park in Kingston.

The One Love concert is the brainchild of American author Robert Roshkind who is promoting the idea of 'healing of the nation' through positive music and reggae lyrics.

The Bob Marley Foundation, the Government of Jamaica and several agencies will collaborate with Roshkind to culminate the week's celebrations.

Two members of the Marley family, Stephanie Marley, managing director of the Bob Marley Foundation and her niece Donisha Prendergast were on hand to endorse the programme of events.

- dorothyc@jamaicaobserver.com

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