Deborah Hickling Gordon criticised the government’s move to create the Order of National Icon to honour Jamaican poet Louise Bennett Coverly and Reggae legend Bob Marley.

Gordon, in a statement on Friday, October 25, said the PNP has confirmed that the government’s plan to introduce a new category of national honour, the Order of National Icon, is based on a precedent aimed at “addressing the need for special recognition of iconic luminaries whose contributions ‘fall short of’ the criteria for the Order of National Hero but have had a significant impact on our heritage”.

“The suggestion that Miss Lou and Bob Marley’s work is somehow ‘less than’ that of our existing National Heroes is further evidence of the government’s scant regard for Jamaican culture and its expressions. They do not take our culture, creative industries, or practitioners seriously,” Hickling Gordon said, noting that creating a second-tier ‘Icon’ category for Miss Lou and Bob Marley would diminish their contributions to nation-building.

“As Miss Lou would say, this ‘less-counts’ the struggle, sacrifice, experiences, and cultural expressions that have helped thousands of Jamaicans embrace their identity, create wealth, and feel like ‘smaddy’ (somebody).”

“Thirty years after the first report and seventeen years after the second, global trends emphasise the importance of integrating culture, creativity, and expression in nation-building growth strategies. We must reconsider and boldly advance on a progressive path,” Hickling Gordon said. “Rather than changing the law, what is needed now is dedicated time and effort to consult Jamaicans on a clearer understanding of the criteria for heroism and to enhance public education on this matter. Professor Nettleford proposed this in his initial report.”

She noted that creating a second-tier category for them diminishes their significant contributions to nation-building. As she put it, this “lessens” the struggles and sacrifices that have helped thousands of Jamaicans embrace their identity.

Hickling Gordon called for a reevaluation of how heroism is understood in Jamaica and stressed the need for public consultation on the criteria for national honours.

She said the PNP is committed to upholding the current National Honours and Awards Act and conferring the designation of National Hero on Bob Marley and Miss Lou following the next general election. 

“The existing legislation provides for establishing an Advisory Committee, which would involve the Jamaican public through consultations and public education efforts on the process and criteria for the Order of National Hero, as recommended by the original Nettleford Report,” Hickling Gordon concluded.

In a recent budget debate, PNP leader Mark Golding reaffirmed his commitment to conferring the Order of National Hero on Marley, a commitment the PNP has now extended to Bennett, highlighting the party’s dedication to honouring their lasting impact on Jamaica’s culture and identity.