Jamaica to Recognize Bob Marley and Louise "Miss Lou" Bennett-Coverley as National Icons
New National Honour Launched
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced that Jamaicans Louise "Miss Lou" Bennett-Coverley and Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley will be the first individuals to be awarded the newly created Order of National Icon. This move recognizes their significant contributions to Jamaican culture and music, and solidifies their legendary status as international icons.
Groundwork Laid for Recognition
The groundwork for the new national honour has been laid, and the legal process to formalize the recognition will soon be underway. Once complete, both cultural icons will be officially conferred with the title of National Icon.
Legendary Contributions
"This will be a most well-deserved and long-overdue recognition of their legendary contributions to Jamaican culture and music. Both Miss Lou and Bob Marley stand as towering figures in the preservation and global elevation of Jamaica’s cultural heritage," Holness said.
Impact on the World Stage
Miss Lou was a pioneer in promoting Jamaican Patois and folk traditions, while Bob Marley’s music, with its messages of resistance and unity, continues to resonate globally. Their impact on the world stage is immeasurable, and this recognition honours not only their individual legacies but also the indomitable spirit of Jamaica.
Criteria for National Heroes
The island currently has seven national heroes, all of whom were political activists and linked to either slavery and colonialism or political independence. According to the National Honors and Award Act of 1970, the only criteria for a Jamaican to be named a national hero is that they "at the time of his or her death was, a citizen of Jamaica and rendered to Jamaica service of a most distinguished nature." The honor can also be awarded either posthumously or on the occasion of the recipient’s retirement from active public life.
Annual Debate
The debate over whether icons like Miss Lou, Bob Marley, and even Usain Bolt should be named national heroes has persisted for years, with some advocating for their recognition of their significant contributions to Jamaican culture and society. This newly created Order of National Icon is a step in that direction, recognizing the extraordinary influence these individuals have had on the country’s cultural identity and global legacy.
FAQs
- Who are being recognized as National Icons?
- Louise "Miss Lou" Bennett-Coverley and Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley
- Why are they being recognized?
- For their legendary contributions to Jamaican culture and music, and their global impact on the world stage
- What is the process for being recognized as a National Icon?
- The legal process to formalize the recognition is currently underway, with the Prime Minister announcing the groundwork has been laid
- Are there existing national heroes in Jamaica?
- Yes, there are seven national heroes, all of whom were political activists and linked to either slavery and colonialism or political independence
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