Bob Marley statue falling into disrepair

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Located at the corner of Arthur Wint Drive and Roosevelt Avenue is a statue of one of Jamaica’s most historical and cultural icons, the great Robert Nesta Marley, fondly known as Bob Marley.

Sculpted by Alvin Marriott, the statue of Bob Marley is enclosed by a see-through black fence. In days gone by, one would drive past the statue and observe tourists taking pictures, as well as videos being shot in front of the statue. Alas, those images are but memories. Now, driving up to the Bob Marley statue, one will, without a doubt, see trash strewn there. Very often one will also see a sleeping, homeless man there. In addition, the grass that grows within the perimeters of the fence that encloses the statue is overgrown and unkempt. The statue itself looks lacklustre, like it would welcome just a simple ‘wipe down’.

The question that now follows after these observations is, why is this cultural landmark not being maintained, and, as a result, falling into disrepair?

This Bob Marley statue is a cultural landmark. Cultural landmarks are critical to any country’s past and present identity.

As time passes, the preservation of past recognised Jamaicans and their contributions through cultural landmarks becomes even more critical. If not preserved, the importance dwindles, and eventually dies. As Marcus Garvey, the black and political activist, said, “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

Jamaica’s younger generation may know of Bob Marley but not understand the sheer magnitude of his positive impact through reggae music. The statue, if properly maintained, could even be visited by our schoolchildren as part of their civics curriculum, or as a part of activities to commemorate Jamaica Day or National Heroes Day. These visits to the statue, and discussions about Bob’s contribution, will keep his legacy alive for generations to come. Isn’t that what Jamaicans want for Bob and for the country on a whole?

Why is the statue not being maintained? I find that, sadly, Jamaica has a perpetual difficulty with the concept of maintenance. The erection of the statue is not sufficient. The statue must be regularly cleaned, the grass mowed or trimmed, and the garbage removed from the area. There must also be proper monitoring by the relevant authorities to ensure the removal of homeless persons.

Is that so much to ask? Bob Marley has done so much for Jamaica, and continues to do so even in death. If you were to ask a foreigner what they know about Jamaica, Bob Marley’s name would be among the first to fall from their lips in response. Why, then, can’t Jamaica appreciate Bob’s contribution and carry out the most basic of maintenance work for this cultural landmark recognising him?

WENDY BESWICK-ROBINSON