Order of Jamaican Heritage to honour exemplary individuals

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The declaration of pop star Rihanna as one of Barbados’ national heroes has reignited debate as to whether Bob Marley and Miss Lou should be accorded a similar honour in Jamaica. The debate may be assisted by recalling the consideration that has gone before.

In 1996, then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson appointed a committee, chaired by the late Professor Rex Nettleford, to “review the role, significance, meaning and suitability of our national symbols and observances”. In its report, the committee stated that “the naming of more national heroes did not get much support in the submissions (received), and the cry for naming the late Hon Robert Nesta Marley and the late Hon Sir Phillip Sherlock as heroes was equally countered by the cry that no more national heroes should be named at this time”. It recommended that “criteria for the naming of national heroes should be established and made available to all Jamaicans”.

In 2008, I appointed a committee, also chaired by the late Professor Rex Nettleford, specifically to review the system of national honours and awards. The committee was not in favour of increasing the number of persons declared as national heroes. Instead, it recommended that a new order be created – the Order of Jamaican Heritage – as the next highest honour to that of National Hero, to be bestowed on “individuals who made significant contributions to Jamaica’s heritage over an extended period of time, for example, the Hon Louise Bennett-Coverley and the Hon Robert Nesta Marley”.

BRUCE GOLDING