Bob Marley a National Hero?
The conversation continued as to why the Honorable Robert Nesta Marley should become a National Hero of Jamaica. Over the years, he has received the highest honor, “Order of National Hero”. 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, charismatic man looking out for the rights of the people. Together they were the founders of the “Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)” and the “People National Party (PNP)”. These are the two major political parties in Jamaica.
Emancipate Yourself From Mental Slavery
Both Mr. Manley and Mr. Bustamante’s contributions to Jamaica. They create opportunities for the people in Jamaica to become self-sufficient. Mr. Manley created the Jamaica Welfare Limited program. This program allowed people like my grandfather Peter Hinds to own land for farming. In addition, Mr. Mandley ended universal adult suffrage, which allowed people to vote. Mr. Manley led the fight for the people to vote on the Federation of the West Indies. Mr. Bustamante stood up for the working class and the unions for better working conditions.
He understood that for people to change, they must first change their way of thinking. Bob wrote those lines in his song “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our mind.” His vision for the country is equal to all our national heroes. The Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Mr. Garvey idea was to encourage “One Love, One Aim, One Destiny.” Bob also wanted people to think for themselves when he wrote the song “One Love”. Based on the lyrics in the song, several advertisements in the tourism industry used the song. That help to bring millions of tourists to Jamaica each year. Which contributed to the growth of the economy.
Jamaican reggae artists
Love For The People
Bob Marley was the epitome of what hard work, dedication, & persistency will do to make your dreams come true. His road was not easy, there were many challenges. His determination made him the “King of Reggae.” Our National Heroes in Heroes Park were all faced with challenges and adversities. Starting with Nanny of the Maroons, she knew there was more to life slavery. She fought for freedom for all. That freedom allowed the maroons to sign the First Maroon Peace Treaty with the British. She did not accept the injustice in the Peace Treaty. The Peace Treaty called for the maroons to return any runaway slaves to their plantations.
Another one of Jamaica’s National heroes is Paul Bogle. Mr Bogle was a land, educated, and had money. Mr. Bogle did not like the social injustices the people were facing. Sir Alexander Bustamante and Mr. Normal Manley known as Jamaica’s Co-Founder were two men who were doing well for themselves. Mr. Manley and Mr. Bustamante could have been satisfied with their accomplishments. However, they chose to represent the people. It was the love for the people that made them fight for better social and economic conditions.
All our National Heroes had one common goal, as reggae singer Delroy Wilson put it, “Better Must Come.” Like other national Heroes, Bob could have been satisfied with his accomplishments. He had a special connection with the loved people. As he eloquently sings in the song “Redemption”. Bob used the music to translate the messages. It’s time to give Bob Marley his rightful place in history, Jamaica’s highest honor, the “Order of National Hero.”
He died on May 11, 1981. People around the world are calling on Jamaica’s government, to give the Honorable Robert Nesta Marley” his rightful place. The rightful in Jamaica’s history is the “Order of National Hero.”
Bob Marley’s contribution was recognized by the United States President. President Barack Obama invited the Marley family to the White House. See Pictures & More Pictures
Don’t worry about a thing
Message in The Music
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. He has opened many doors for Jamaica and Jamaicans around the world. This led to more people coming to Jamaica. The message in his music has resonated with many people around the world.
The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley musical genus enabled him to be prophesizing his message in his music. He was given the Medal of Peace in 1980 by the United Nations. 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’s final journey should be 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.