Dear Editor,

We are almost at the end of Black History Month, a time when we reflect on our past. As people we must remember our struggles and celebrate our achievements, and the media should help us highlight them.

As I watched the features on television and read the print media I began to once again wonder why Robert Nesta Marley is still not bestowed the honour of national hero of Jamaica.

Many will argue that, in their view, he is just a musician who has done well and has not done anything heroic, based on the dictionary definition. Dictionary.com defines a hero as “a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deed and noble qualities”. With a close look at this definition it would be hard to say that the actions of Bob Marley weren’t heroic. Bob Marley is responsible, in my view, for the universal dominance of reggae music in today’s globalised world. He has played a significant role in creating what is now known as Brand Jamaica.

Even after all this some still say he is not to be given that honour. I must make the fundamental point that the honour of national hero is just that. Although it is the highest honour of the country it has nothing to do with the dictionary definition. It is an honour that is bestowed on someone who the powers that be feel made a significant contribution in taking

the country from where it was to where it is today. It is for this reason our seven national heroes were given that honour.

Robert Nesta Marley, for many decades now, is known internationally as the pioneer of reggae music gaining international recognition. In 1976 his band was chosen Band of the Year by Rolling Stones Magazine. He received the Nobel Peace medal in 1978. His album Exodus was named album of the century by Time Magazine in 1999. He also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 and he was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.

These are just a few of the many achievements and awards that have been bestowed on Bob Marley by various international agencies and organisations yet it is like pulling teeth for him to be given the title “The Right Excellent” and his name followed by national hero of Jamaica.

I am calling on the powers that be to right this wrong and bestow the honour of national hero on Robert Nesta Marley.

Gary Rowe

Manchester

magnett0072004@yahoo.com