PNP backs Bob Marley, Miss Lou for national hero not icon
People’s National Party (PNP) spokesperson for culture and creative industries, Dr Deborah Hickling Gordon, has described the addition of a second-tier national honour for two of Jamaica’s most celebrated cultural figures — Robert Nesta Marley, known globally as Bob Marley, and Louise Bennett Coverley, affectionately called Miss Lou — as another retrograde proposal concerning cultural observances, particularly in how they impact the majority of Jamaicans of African descent.
“This is the second objectionable proposal related to Jamaican identity complexities within a week of celebrating Jamaican heritage.
“Jamaica’s existing heroes fought for physical and political emancipation; Bob Marley and Miss Lou championed mental and social liberation during highly charged, transformative political times, both globally and nationally,” Hickling Gordon said in a release from the Opposition party.
“Their contributions required fortitude, sacrifice, bravery, strength, and conviction that does not ‘fall short’ of heroism. Their heroism took a different form at a different time on Jamaica’s decolonisation journey,” she said.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced last week that the two are to become the first Jamaicans to be invested in the new Order of National Icon.
The PNP, in its release, said it confirmed that the Government’s plan to introduce the new category was based on a precedent aimed at “addressing the need for special recognition of iconic luminaries whose contributions ‘fall short of’ the criteria for the Order of National Hero but have had significant impact on our heritage”.
“The suggestion that Miss Lou and Bob Marley’s work is somehow ‘less than’ that of our existing national heroes is further evidence of the Government’s scant regard for Jamaican culture and its expressions. They do not take our culture, creative industries, or practitioners seriously,” Hickling Gordon said, noting that creating a second-tier ‘icon’ category for Miss Lou and Bob Marley would diminish their contributions to nation-building.
“As Miss Lou would say, this ‘less-counts’ the struggle, sacrifice, experiences, and cultural expressions that have helped thousands of Jamaicans embrace their identity, create wealth, and feel like ‘smaddy’ (somebody).
“Thirty years after the first report and 17 years after the second, global trends emphasise the importance of integrating culture, creativity, and expression in nation-building growth strategies. We must reconsider and boldly advance on a progressive path,” Hickling Gordon said. “Rather than changing the law, what is needed now is dedicated time and effort to consult Jamaicans on a clearer understanding of the criteria for heroism and to enhance public education on this matter. Professor Nettleford proposed this in his initial report.”
The PNP said it is committed to upholding the current National Honours and Awards Act and conferring the designation of national hero on Bob Marley and Miss Lou following the next general election.
“The existing legislation provides for establishing an advisory committee which would involve the Jamaican public through consultations and public education efforts on the process and criteria for the Order of National Hero as recommended by the original Nettleford Report,” Hickling Gordon concluded.
In his annual budget debate contribution in March 2024, Opposition leader and PNP President Mark Golding reaffirmed his commitment to conferring the Order of National Hero on Bob Marley, a commitment the PNP said it has now extended to Miss Lou.
The PNP said it is dedicated to ensuring that both figures receive the recognition they deserve for their enduring impact on Jamaica’s culture and identity.