The Editor, Sir:

Bob Marley was instrumental in placing reggae music on the world stage so that even today the Grammy Awards can recognise singers from a genre that was once limited to the poor and impoverished from an enclave in downtown Kingston. People as far away as Japan do not identify our country as Jamaica, instead, they call it 'Bob Marley's Country'.

Synonymous with reggae

Many might argue that Bob was not unique in selling reggae music, and they would indeed be right. But which other Jamaican name today is synonymous with Jamaica or reggae music?

I think, therefore, that the Government and people of Jamaica should overlook certain criticisms that have being posited over the years about why Bob's lifestyle does not fit that of a hero. Let us instead place him into a unique category and honour him as he deserves to be. Honour him, not for his lifestyle, but for placing reggae music, our music, Jamaica's music on to the world stage.

I am, etc.,

DONARENE MORRIS

HENRY

antkarllo@yahoo.com

Bridge Town, Barbados

Via Go-Jamaica