Dionne Rose, Staff ReporterPRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson said yesterday that the government would be spending some $13 million to host a year-long celebration of activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the birth of music icon, the late Bob Marley.
"The 60th birthday is not just a day of celebration; it is at least deserving of a year of celebrations, and we believe that the programme that the government has accepted and on which we will embark will serve as a fitting tribute from the nation of his birth," the prime minister said.
POPULAR CULTURE
Mr. Patterson also credited Bob Marley and his work for the recognition that reggae music has received worldwide. He said, "through his message and his music, Bob Marley is responsible for the pervasiveness of Jamaican reggae music in international popular culture.
"His works have received international recognition. His legacy is the positive image that Jamaica enjoys as a nation with a vibrant and unique culture and a people with a positive sense of self," added Mr. Patterson.
Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education, Youth and Culture told The Gleaner that the year-long activities would be funded through the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund; the Jamaica Library Service; other government agencies; and
corporate Jamaica.
Stephanie Marley, Bob's daughter, expressed her gratitude to the government on behalf of the Marley family. She said: "I specially want to thank the Government of Jamaica for their recognition over the years but particularly ... for endorsing a whole year of celebration, not just for his life but the mission that he had started, the mission of peace, unity and one love."
Some of the slated activities for the year include a Bob Marley symposia series,
which will be organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) from February 1-5; a concert in tribute to Bob Marley on February 6 at Emancipation Park; a Jamaica Day on February 4 in all schools islandwide; a Culture Expo, dubbed 'Emanci-pendence' from August 1-8 and the Prime Minister's Gala.
