Edmond Campbell, Senior News Coordinator

The issue of whether reggae superstar Bob Marley should receive the country's highest honour or be accorded a similar status is back on the public agenda for debate.

On Tuesday, publisher and Member of Parliament for Central Clarendon, Mike Henry, suggested that the international reggae icon should be elevated to a position equivalent to the Order of National Hero.

Mr. Henry told his colleagues in Parliament that Jamaica should create an award for the national treasures to honour Marley and his work.

During his presentation in the Sectoral Debate in Gordon House, Mr. Henry also gave notice that he intended to take to Parliament next week a resolution dealing with the issue of reparation.

He said on three past occasions the motion was not deliberated, but this would not dampen his determination to push for a debate on the issue.

"I want a political decision on it. I want to hear from every member of this House whether they really feel reparation is an entitlement from the countries that have abused the life of every Jamaican," he said.

On another matter, Mr. Henry urged Government to take steps to extend the 50-year copyright limit as Jamaica's prized intellectual property could be at risk.

He stressed that the work of Jamaica's cultural icon, Louise Bennett, could be "interpreted, inherited and sold back to us."