Students get a glimpse into Bob Marley's life

On Friday, February 11, five days after the 66th anniversary of his birthday, reggae legend and Rastafarian icon Robert (Bob) Nesta Marley who died in 1981 was very alive at the Halse Hall Great House in Clarendon where he took centre stage, courtesy of Jamalco and the Bob Marley Foundation.

For the third straight year, both organisations teamed up to give schoolchildren from Clarendon and Manchester a glimpse into the life and an appreciation the work and worth of the late undisputed King of Reggae. The children, in turn, impressed with their interpretations of his many songs. It was billed as Black History month/Bob Marley Day Cultural Extravaganza and Expo and notes from books which had his image and facts about his life, to the posters and endless playing of his songs, Marley was definitely in the house and his young fans were feeling no pain.

By way of poetry, songs and dramatisations the students drawn from primary, high and tertiary educational institutions, the students from some 20 schools located in Clarendon, north Manchester and south Manchester not only paid tribute to Marley, but they also addressed topical issues such as bleaching, black pride and self-esteem.

This was by design, as Jamalco Community Development Officer Phillip Biggs explained:

"Many of them hear about Bob Marley, know about him but they don't understand the important contribution he has made to the economy of this country. So the Hall Halse great house is a venue that is being used I would say to 'culturise' them during Black History Month and to show them works of Bob Marley - literature, DVD with items all about Bob Marley.

"That is why we are here and the Bob Marley Foundation has partnered with us. Jamalco from day one had bought into the idea, my manager Leo Lambert, the managing director Mr Jerome Maxwell ... everybody has bought into the whole idea and completely sponsored the event. That is why we are here."

Sign of change

Jamalco owns the Halse Hall Great House and Biggs, who noted that many years ago it was a privilege for residents of the community to visit, explained that the recent event is a sign of the changing times.

"We have decided to strategically plan a variety of activities - Valentine's Day activities, Mother's Day activities and so because Bob Marley is an international figure, very much historic in his own right, we decided that part of what we will do, during Black History Month, is to promote Bob Marley and his music and what better way than by linking him to this heritage building, this historic building?"

Afterwards, general manager of the Bob Marley Foundation, Jacqueline Lynch Stewart, who was an active participant in the day's activity, challenged the children to adopt Marley's work ethic and disciplined approach in pursuit of their career goals.

"Whatever dream you have, hold on to it and do not let anyone tell you it cannot happen," she urged, noting that Marley was booed during his first public appearance.

"Your current reality does not have to be your future. So do not worry about where you coming from, it's more important where you are going. So whatever your dream, do not let anyone tell you it cannot happen. Persevere, work hard, try to find your passion, whatever it is that you want and make it your reality."

- Christopher Serju