Opposition Leader Mark Golding says a future People’s National Party (PNP) Government will name reggae icon Bob Marley Jamaica’s next national hero.

He made the promise Tuesday as he made his contribution to the 2024/25 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives.

“One commitment that I have, which is in keeping with our seriousness about culture and the creative industries, when we form the next government, I commit to conferring the Order of National Hero on the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley for his service of a most distinguished nature in advancing Jamaican culture and his global impact as a liberating inspirational force for oppressed people across the world,” Golding said to sustained applause from the Opposition benches.

“I say time come to recognise the ‘Gong’ as a true national hero and confer the honour on him accordingly,” Golding added.

While promising that a future PNP government would focus on the creative industries, including adequate funding, Golding commented on the Bob Marley One Love biopic, stating that: “Speaking of the the ‘One Love’ phenomenon now blowing like a natural mystic across the globe shows us what cultural and creative practitioners have been telling us for years. Nurturing and growing the cultural and creative industries, sports and their diverse ecosystems are extremely important for the economic development and cultural identity of Jamaica”.

Golding said this required the funding and deliberate effort to drive these industries, which are two of the fastest growing areas of economic activity in the world.

He pointed to the $234 million that is allocated in the Budget to the Jamaican Screen Development Initiative, which he said the PNP endorses, as well as the commitment to develop JamWorld and Fort Rocky as 24-hour entertainment zones. This, he said was a start “after so many years of inaction”.

“We commit that when in government we will prioritise the participatory development of a Master Plan comprising a comprehensive policy and legislative framework to support and incentivise the cultural and creative industries and sports. This plan will address investment and financing, education and training, and infrastructure development for cultural and creative and sports practitioners,” said Golding.

He lamented that existing infrastructure for the cultural and creative industries and sports are falling apart island-wide.

“The Trelawny Sports Centre, Independence Park, Catherine Hall and Sabina Park; The Little Theatre, Ward Theatre, Vale Royal and other existing and potential heritage sites are disintegrating from neglect. How come? Change is sorely needed,” he said.