A NEW York-based group is proposing that a section of Church Avenue, the
'epicentre' of the Caribbean community in Brooklyn, New York, be re-named the Robert Nesta Marley Boulevard.
The group - Caribbean American Programme for Empowerment - is hoping to get the proposal approved by New York authorities in time for Black History month in February.
Already, a motion to re-name the three-mile stretch has
been endorsed by the Brooklyn Community Board. However, the New York City Council must grant its approval before the name change can be effected.
It is expected that a motion for the name change will be on the agenda at the next sitting of the city lawmakers in February.
"It's about time," said Michael Russell, chairman of the Brooklyn Community Board. "Bob is a renowned cultural and musical icon of the 21st century and based on that, we are proud to know that someone from the region has transcended to such great heights."
Mr. Russell also said re-naming the avenue would have historical significance.
SUPPORT
Meanwhile, the Bob Marley Foundation which is now advancing plans for Bob Marley Week 2006, is supporting the proposed name change of Church Avenue.
"We are absolutely delighted," Jacqueline Stewart, general manager of the Bob Marley Foundation told The Gleaner. "Bob was not only a citizen of Jamaica, he was really a citizen of the world."
The majority of the Church Avenue community comprises persons of various descendants from Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados, Puerto Rico and St. Lucia.
