Bob Marley – A Jamaican National Hero – Part I

Bob Marley – A National Jamaican Hero – Part I

When will the Honorable Robert Nesta Marley get the “Order of National Hero” recognition? The “Order of National Hero” is Jamaica’s highest honor. Is Bob Marley – A Jamaican National Hero? Well, that’s the question many people have been asking. Bob as he is affectionately called around the world awaits his monument statue in National Heroes Park in Jamaica. Many say that Marley’s accomplishments worldwide and vision have qualified him to be a national hero. His statue stands tall in Monument Park alongside Jamaica’s other seven National Heroes.

This conversation has been the talk of the town and the question has being raised time and time again. People are talking and waiting for their voices to be heard. Their hope is that one day it will become a reality. People have gathered signatures and signed petitions with one intention and that is to make Bob a national hero. Now the Government needs to do its part and recognize Marley as a National Hero of Jamaica.

Does Robert “Nesta” Marley, Deserves Jamaica’s Highest Medial of Honor?

Well, many people we spoke with believe he deserve the medal. These people have been waiting for Jamaica to honor him with the highest honor, the “Order of National Hero.”

May 11, 2024, will be 43 years since Bob Marley died. He is still the most recognizable person from Jamaica.  The people are asking the government to give Bob Marley the distinguished “Order of National Hero.” Let’s make Jamaica’s 62nd  anniversary in August a day to remember. Jamaica can invite the world to come home and help to celebrate this joyous occasion.

Who Deserves Their Country’s National Hero

Many heroes around the world who were given their country’s highest honor had a questionable past. Their history in the past were not perfect. Whatever the decision was why he’s not a national hero, it’s time to turn the page. If we take a trip around the world and research the people who were given recognition as national heroes.  People may or may not be surprised by the findings depending on their outlook.

Just about every country around the world, give a certain status to the people they symbolize. They put the face of their national heroes on the country’s currency and name streets, highways and parks after them.

But their country came to a decision that their contributions far outweigh any bad decision. As a result, these people were given the country’s highest honor. People in Jamaica are asking the government to take a look at Bob’s accomplishments. Look at how he has inspired people around the world. They are asking their decision makers to recognize that during the height of the political violence which was taking over Jamaica in the mid 1970s, the people needed to hear from a different voice. They needed to hear from a voice of reasoning and the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley was there to answer that call, he was that voice. Many visitors to Jamaica and people around the world are asking the question, When will the Honorable Robert Nesta Marley get the “Order of National Hero”?

Jamaica’s Position in the World.

Jamaica is described as a Third World Country. This third world title given to Jamaica and other Caribbean Countries is due in part to the country’s economic struggles and underdeveloped infrastructure. So just imagine, even 35 years after his death, Bob Marley continues to play a significant role in helping to improve Jamaica’s economy. Today Jamaica has strong brand recognition around the world. Because of Bob Marley’s popularity and his global influence many people sought out Jamaica for their island of choice when vacationing. Jamaica is attracting millions of tourists each year because of the fabulous promotion done by Jamaica’s Tourist Board. However, the curiosity about Jamaica started because fans of Bob Marley and his music wanted to know more.

People continue to be inspired from the message in Bob’s music.

Whenever, you hear people around the world having a conversation regarding Bob Marley the question always comes up on why he is not a National Hero in Jamaica’s. These conversations were always meaningful and passionate. These people were comparing Jamaica’s seven National Heroes and the challenges they faced along their journey. Their arguments compared the challenges Bob Marley faced along his journey during his time. People were able to separate the issues.

During the times in which Robert Nesta Marley was making his contribution, the world was different, there were no slave revolts going on in Jamaica. His challenges and motivation were different. This was a time, when Jamaica’s inequality in a growing population was becoming more divided. The rich were getting richer and the sufferers were struggling and looking for an identity. Bob Marley was there to answer that call. He walked the same path of living with the inequality and as he puts it, in the “Babylon System.” among the people. Bob’s objectives were the same, to gain economical equality for the people, all people.

Bob Marley fought a rebellious fights in the late 20th century

Take for example, the slave revolts in 1738, 1831 and the Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865 with Mr. Paul Bogle and Mr. George William Gordon.  They were all fighting for the betterment of the people. How about the turmoil of 1938 with union workers across Jamaica going on strike in all the Parishes. The strike was significant because the poor people could not take care of their family. The strike brought attention to the poor social and economic conditions, the people wanted changes. Whether it was the slave revolt, the economical inequality or Legendary Queen Nanny, Chieftainess of the Maroons fighting for freedom for the people, all Jamaica’s National Heroes challenges were about helping the people. Mr. Norman Washington Manley and Sir Alexander Bustamante fought social and economic injustice.

Robert Nesta Marley fought a great fight, a global fight for the people.  When you listen to the people of Zimbabwe, it was Bob Marley, The Prophet who gave them strength to fight for their freedom. Bob Marley fought a rebellious fight in the late 20th century against today’s problems. Through the messages in his music they brought attention to current day struggles fighting against social and economic inequality. 

To be continued:

Part II:

will further highlight the people’s call for Bob Marley – A Jamaican National Hero! and highlight the importance  of the     “Smile Jamaica” concert</strong>.