Bob Marley a National Hero?
The conversation continued as to why the Honorable Robert Nesta Marley should become a National Hero of Jamaica and given the highest honor, “Order of National Hero” recognition. I compared Bob Marley’s love for Jamaica to our other national heroes. Let’s highlight two of Jamaica’s National Hero Mr. Norman Washington Manley and Mr. Alexander Bustamante. Mr. Manley was a road scholar and the founder of the “People’s National Party (PNP).” Mr. Bustamante a charismatic man looking out for the rights of the people and the founder of the “Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)” The PNP and JLP are the two major political parties in Jamaica. Both Mr. Manley and Mr. Bustamante contribution to Jamaica were about creating opportunities for the people of Jamaica to become self reliant. Mr. Manley created the Jamaica Welfare Limited program and made it possible for people like my grandfather Peter Hinds and so many others to get land for farming. Mr. Manley led the fight to end universal adult suffrage and as a result people were allowed to vote. Mr. Manley led the fight for the people to vote on the Federation of the West Indies and Mr. Bustamante stood up for the working class and the unions for better working conditions.
Bob Marley understood that in order to change, people must first change their way of thinking therefore, he reminded people to “emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourself can free our mind.” Bob Marley’s vision for the country is equal to the vision of another one of Jamaica’s National Hero Mr. Marcus Garvey. Mr. Garvey idea was to encourage “One Love, One Aim, One Destiny.” Both of these leaders fought for people to think for themselves. Bob Marley’s song, “One Love” is used by the tourism board to bring millions of people to Jamaica which directly helps to improve the country’s economy and will continue.
Bob Marley was the epitome of what hard work, dedication, & persistency will do to make your dreams come true. His road was not without adversities, his road was not without challenges, but his determination was what made him the “King of Reggae.” Our National Heroes in Heroes Park were all faced with challenges and adversities. Nanny of the Maroons was determined that life was more than slavery. When the First Maroon Peace Treaty was signed with the British, Empress Nanny could have being satisfied, the maroons were given land and were free from slavery. However, Empress Nanny refused to accept the injustice in the Peace Treaty which states that other runaway slaves had to be returned to their plantations.
Paul Bogle owned land, he was educated and had money. Mr. Bogle could have being satisfied but it was the love of his people that made him fight against social injustice. Sir Alexander Bustamante and Mr. Normal Manley known as Jamaica’s Co-Founder were two men who were doing well for themselves. They could have being satisfied with their individual accomplishments. These men could have being satisfied but it was the love of the people that made them fought for better social and economic conditions.
All our National Heroes had one common goal, as reggae singer Delroy Wilson put it, “Better Must Come.” Honorable Robert Nesta Marley could have being satisfied with his accomplishments but it was the love for the people that translate the messages in his music. It’s time to give Bob Marley his rightful place in history, Jamaica’s highest honor, the “Order of National Hero.”
May 11, 2012 was 31 years since Bob Marley’s death. We the People around the world are calling on Jamaica’s Governing administrators, to give the Honorable Robert Nesta Marley” his rightful place in Jamaica’s history, the “Order of National Hero.”
Bob Marley’s contribution was recognized by United States President Borack Obama who invited the Marley family to the White House. See Pictures & More Pictures
Jamaica is one of the most recognized countries in the world due in part to Bob Marley. His message to, “Get up and stand up for your Rights” was loud and clear. Bob Marley has helped to open many doors for Jamaica and Jamaicans around the world because of people’s association with his works.
The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley musical genus enabled him to prophesizing his message in his music. As a result, in 1980 he was given the Medal of Peace from the United Nation. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and recognized as a reggae international superstar. Time Magazine voted the “Exodus” album the greatest of the 20th century. In 2006, a street in Brooklyn, in New York City was named, “Bob “Marley Boulevard.” A statue of Bob Marley is in the country of Serbia and he is celebrated by people around the globe.
Jamaica, the time is now let’s to give Bob Marley his place in “Heroes Park.” The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley final journey in his birth land; is to take his rightful place in Jamaica’s history, the highest honor, “Order of National Hero.”
Part 4 will provide more supporting reasoning for the Hon. Roberts Nesta Marley to become one of Jamaica’s National Hero.
Written by: Maxie DaCosta Sr. Robin Treston Sr. contributed reporting.