Bob Marley to be conferred with Jamaica’s highest order, that is the word from Leader Of The Opposition and President of the People’s National Party (PNP) Mark Golding. During his 2024-2025 budget presentation speech Golding said, “When we form the next government, I commit to conferring the Order Of National Hero on the Honourable Robert Nesta “Bob”Marley for his service of a most distinguished nature in advancing Jamaican culture and his global impact as a liberating, inspirational force for oppressed peoples across the world. Time come to recognize that the Gong is truly a National hero, and confer that honour on him accordingly.”
Bob Marley was awarded a National honor a few months before his death in April 1981 with an Order Of Merit, Jamaica’s third highest honor at the time and now the fourth.
Calls for Bob Marley’s honour to be upgraded to National Hero of Jamaica intensified following Rihanna’s honor as Barbados’ 11th National Hero on November 2021. While Rihanna received the title in light of Barbados’ transition to a republic, Jamaican entertainers such as Spragga Benz renewed demands for Marley’s recognition.
Benz stated, “While Jamaica seem to await the Queen’s approval to honor Bob Marley as a National Hero … “Barbadian singer Rihanna joins in the celebration of Barbados becoming a Republic and will be appointed National Hero.”
Professor Donna Hope, in responding to a 2017 poll by the Jamaican Gleaner advised caution against hastily bestowing hero status based solely on international recognition, emphasizing the need for selfless contributions to the nation. The Gleaner found that 45 per cent of Jamaicans believe that the country could add either Bob Marley or sprint sensation Usain Bolt figure to it’d National Hero Honors. Professor Hope told the Gleaner at the time “I think we really have to be very careful as to how we go about apportioning that notion of heroine or hero status to individuals.”
“We shouldn’t be saying, ‘Oh, this person did well in music or sports, so make him a national hero’. I mean, they are working for a living, but just because they do well in their career doesn’t mean we should turn them into national heroes.” She added, “A national hero is someone who selflessly really gives of himself or herself in the project of building this nation that we are a part of, and I don’t see any one who I would say is deserving of that at this moment.”
Now, with a change of heart, Hope told WMV on Tuesday evening that as it relates to Bob Marley becoming National Hero, “it is long overdue, I support it wholeheartedly.”
The Jamaican honours system, established in 1969, draws inspiration from the British honours system but operates uniquely. Orders are conferred by the Governor-General upon the Prime Minister’s advice, with the Governor-General serving as Chancellor. Unlike in some other countries, the sovereign is not directly involved. There are currently 7 National Heroes of Jamaica and Recipients of the honour are entitled to the pre-nominal style of ‘The Right Excellent’ and to the post-nominal title of ‘National Hero of Jamaica’.
The recently released “Bob Marley: One Love” quickly became one of the most successful music biopics in U.S. box office history, earning $52 million domestically and $80 million globally within a week. It has surpassed the opening weekend sales of other Jamaican-themed film, including “Cocktail” and “Marked For Death.” It is currently ranks among top-10 grossing music biopics in the U.S. and Canada, with “Bohemian Rhapsody” holding the top spot with $216.4 million domestically. “One Love” which was released on streaming platforms today, has gross almost $200 million worldwide.
“Him give me the guidance and brought me through the channels from Jah to life right here on Earth. SO much teachings, so much blessings, we can’t even name how much things he has done for us,” he told hosts Miss Kitty and Dennis Brooks.
