Widow of the legendary Bob Marley, Rita, was moved to tears upon hearing the proclamation that February 6 would now be honoured as Bob Marley Day. While this fulfilled half of Rita's aspirations, she had also harboured the hope that the day would be officially recognised as a public holiday. The unexpected announcement heightened the joy of the occasion, surprising not only the Marley family but also all the other attendees.

In honour of Robert Nesta Marley

By Howard McGowan

FEBRUARY 6 will now be officially known as 'Bob Marley Day'. This was decided by the Government of Jamaica and announced at the Bob Marley Birthday Bash held at the 56 Hope Road (Kingston) museum of the late reggae superstar.

Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, and the Marley family, headed by his widow, Rita, had hoped to get a petition signed for presentation to the Government with a view of having that day declared Bob Marley Day, and ultimately being made a public holiday.

The announcement by Senator Donna Scott-Bhoorasingh took the family by surprise — to the extent that Rita broke down in tears.

The petition, I am told, will still be made and the request pursued to have the day declared a public holiday.

The air on the grounds of the museum on Tuesday was one of festivity. After an official tour of the museum by Minister of Labour, Welfare and Sport Portia Simpson there was an opening exhibition of paintings by Cedella Marley, Bob's daughter. The guided tours continued until 5 p.m.

Barry Gordon, of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, had his Barry G Show there live, with a special feature being instant play of request of Marley songs. There were album give-aways as well.

At 6 p.m., there was the cutting of three birthday cakes in which Bob's mother, Cedella Booker, took part. During this session, there was an announcement by Rita that the Bob Marley Foundation (which comprises Bob's children, immediate family and widow), in association with Island Records, will be donating $1 million to Amnesty International.

Mrs Marley said the decision had been made to contribute the funds to Amnesty International because it is an organisation which is involved in the on-going struggle for human rights throughout the world.

The day, which caused a huge roadblock on Hope Road, saw scores of entertainment celebrities, both local and foreign, as well as many overseas visitors, in attendance. Performances by dub poet Mutabaruka. Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers and the I-Threes were scheduled for later in the evening.

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