Toronto honours Bob

Toronto's new Mayor, Rob Ford, has continued the trend of his predecessors by proclaiming February 6 as Bob Marley Day.

This is the 20th year, and Mayor Ford, who was elected in October 2010, is the sixth Toronto Mayor to officially proclaim the day.

The proclamation was read at a ceremony held last Thursday at Toronto City Hall, and attended by Jamaica's Consul General to Toronto, Seth George Ramocan, Canadian government officials and members of the public.

The Proclamation reads:

"Whereas Robert Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945, and in his 36 years created a legacy of socially observant music which continues to inspire hope and acceptance around the world.

Bob Marley's brand of reggae music, both powerful and distinct, captivated people of all cultures and continues to be instantly recognisable around the world. His profound influence on the musical and cultural landscape earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and changed the history of popular music.

Through his music, Bob Marley became an advocate for human rights and an international ambassador for peace. His courage to speak out against oppression, poverty, slavery and apartheid earned him a Peace Medal of the Third World from the United Nations and the Order of Merit from his home country of Jamaica.

Now therefore, I, Mayor Rob Ford, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2011 as 'Bob Marley Day' and join with citizens of Toronto to salute a great musician and humanitarian".

Ramocan said the name Bob Marley has brought distinction to Jamaica and having Bob Marley Day proclaimed each year in Toronto is one way of keeping his memory alive.