THE cry to make Reggae icon Bob Marley a Jamaican National Hero was taken a step further as Michael Williams — if he has his own way — would name him something much bigger — an International Hero.

Williams, a member of the Bob Marley Foundation, and who played football with the Reggae superstar back in the day, made the plea during the launch of the Bob Marley One Love Charity Football match 2013 at Cuddy’z Sports Bar.

“This is a very special event for me and the whole country, and I don’t think Bob should be a National Hero. If there is such a thing called International Hero, then that should be it,” said Williams, who is also known as ‘Jah Mikes’.

The 32nd staging of the event, organised by the tireless Clive ‘Busy’ Campbell, will be on Ash Wednesday, February 13 at the Constant Spring Field.

“This year the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley would have celebrated his 68th birthday, and I must say that Bob Marley is as relevant today as he was years ago,” Campbell pointed out.

“Look at what is happening in the world in general and in particular Jamaica… Bob Marley lives, whether we want to believe it or not. Every one of his songs, if we listen carefully, is the reality which we now live. I say he is a prophet and his words are words to live by,” said Campbell.

Marley was an avid football player and best friend of arguably one of Jamaica’s greatest players, Allan ‘Skill’ Cole, and every year a celebrity football fiesta is kept with proceeds going to charity.

Last year, the Malvern Basic School in St Elizabeth benefitted with the transformation of the Malvern Community Centre into the basic school.

“I made a commitment that I would do my very best to see the completion of this project and I am relying on you our sponsors and community of Malvern to walk this journey with us to the end. To all our sponsors, well-wishers and media, thank you for helping to keep this initiative alive,” added Campbell.

— Howard Walker