Dear Editor,

When I heard that President Obama detoured to the Bob Marley Museum as the first place he visited after arriving in Jamaica, I felt very proud to be a Jamaican, and proud also of the far-reaching effects of the life and achievements of Robert Nesta Marley. This has inspired me to renew my call for Bob Marley to be given the honour of national hero of Jamaica.

For many, he is just a musician who, in their view, has done very well for himself, and by extension Jamaica, but has not done anything that could be seen as heroic. There is, however, a significant difference in the dictionary definition of hero and the requirements of receiving the honour of national hero.

The honour of national hero is just that; an honour that is bestowed on someone who has contributed significantly in making Jamaica into what it is today.

Robert Nesta Marley, for many decades, has been a pioneer for reggae music and the Jamaican culture, and he has not just gained national recognition, but international acceptance.

In 1976 his band was chosen band of the year by Rolling Stones Magazine; he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978; his album Exodus was named album of the century by Time magazine in 1999; he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001; he was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004; and a few days ago he was given the nod of approval by US President Barack Obama when he visited the museum and sang Bob Marley’s One Love.

These are just some of the many awards and achievements given to this son of Jamaica by international agencies and organisations. The fundamental question is, why is it so difficult for Jamaica to recognise his worth? I am, once again, calling on the powers that be to truly recognise him and his achievements, and bestow on him the honour of national hero so he can be referred to as the right excellent.

Gary Rowe

magnett0072004@ yahoo.com