On National Heroes’ Day, October 20, Jamaica’s Opposition Leader Mark Golding paid tribute to Jamaica’s six national heroes and heroine while renewing his call for Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley and Louise Bennett-Coverley (Miss Lou) to be officially added to the country’s list of national heroes.
“On National Heroes’ Day we celebrate and express gratitude to our national heroes and heroine who transformed struggle into triumph and dreams into nationhood,” Golding said. He highlighted the enduring legacies of Nanny of the Maroons, Samuel Sharpe, Paul Bogle, George William Gordon, Marcus Garvey, Alexander Bustamante, and Norman Manley, noting that their courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for a Jamaica “rooted in justice, progress forged in unity, and leadership grounded in service.”
Golding described the importance of connecting past heroism to present-day citizenship. He praised Jamaicans who exercised their right to vote on September 3, 2025, noting that voting free from corruption reflected the ideals fought for by Jamaica’s heroes. “Your honest participation demonstrated your commitment to shaping Jamaica’s future and reaffirmed that the spirit of our ancestors endures in our people,” he said.
He also acknowledged the unsung heroes of everyday life—those whose acts of kindness, resilience, and ingenuity strengthen the country. “When we lend a helping hand to someone in need or demonstrate the strength to overcome perilous situations, we are modern examples of the spirit of heroism that keep our nation’s light shining as a beacon of hope,” Golding said.
Turning to the question of expanding Jamaica’s roster of national heroes, Golding said:
“We must draw on the memories of Bob Marley, whose music and message have internationalized Jamaica’s culture and brand, providing inspiration to people struggling against oppression across the world. Likewise, Louise Bennet-Coverley, or Miss Lou, whose poetry and performances in the Jamaican language have provided self-affirmation of who we are as a people and uplifted our national confidence and consciousness.”
Golding’s push follows Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ 2024 announcement that Marley and Miss Lou are set to become the first Jamaicans awarded the newly created Order of National Icon. Holness said at the time: “This will be a most well-deserved and long-overdue recognition of their legendary contributions to Jamaican culture and music. Both Miss Lou and Bob Marley stand as towering figures in the preservation and global elevation of Jamaica’s cultural heritage.”
Both Marley and Miss Lou currently hold the Order of Merit, which grants them the title “The Honourable.” Golding’s call to include them as national heroes underscores a growing consensus on their monumental contributions to Jamaican culture and society.
Acknowledging contemporary challenges such as violence and suicide, Golding urged Jamaicans to choose empathy over anger, unity over division, and hope over despair, emphasizing that the spirit of heroism is as much in daily acts of kindness as in history books.
“Let us stand together as one people, united in purpose, bound together in our love for our country, and determined to build a Jamaica where peace, equality, and opportunity become realities for all,” Golding said.
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