The Editor, Sir:

The proposal for a new national honour to recognise the contributions of people such as Bob Marley and Louise Bennett is an excellent step in the right direction.

In order to truly obtain the full impact in giving this award, where it becomes an issue that is discussed by every man or woman on the street and becomes a part of the very discussion of the nation throughout the island, it is essential to make sure that we don't devalue the very currency of what we are trying to build.

Setting standards

We are setting standards for the current generation and, more importantly, for generations to come. The criteria of what it takes to achieve this award must be brilliantly clear, non-partisan and must show that this person made a fundamental change in the way we view ourselves as a nation and as a people, a cultural game-changer, fundamentally shifting the paradigm of expectation, performance and making a contribution of monumental significance.

Thus, my suggestion is that this award be given once every 10 years or reviewed once every 10 years. Like the national hero award, we have seven heroes for over 500 years of existence as an entity recognised by the world as the island of Jamaica, that is roughly one for every 70 years, then we should set the criteria for making this award somewhat similar as the next level of recognition.

Let's make this an award of critical significance for now and, for generations to come, let's start thinking of nation building with a longer-term perspective and changing the method of giving this national award as suggested would be a significant step in that direction.

I am, etc.,

PETER ELIOTT

elliott.p@charter.net

Dallas, Tx

Via Go-Jamaica