The Government is to introduce a new National Honour, the Order of National Icon.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement in his Heroes Day message.
He says the government has done the preliminary work and will be moving forward with the legal process to introduce the new national honour.
Mr. Holness says on completion of the legal process, the Order of National Icon will be conferred on Louise Bennett Coverly, popularly known as “Miss Lou” and Robert Nesta Marley.
He says the government is crafting a Jamaica that honours the legacy of the country’s heroes, while building a future of opportunity and equity for all.
Mr. Holness points out that as the heroes are honoured today, Jamaicans should not forget that their mission is not yet complete and it’s everyone’s responsibility to carry their legacy forward.
Meantime, Opposition Leader Mark Golding has again called for Robert Nesta Marley to be recognized as a national hero.
Mr. Golding says he more than any other has made Jamaica’s music an inspirational force of liberation, justice and equality for all the peoples of the world.
The Opposition leader states that social and economic justice are still elusive for many, and the negative behaviours seen in the society reflect a lack of self-belief and self-love still to be overcome.
Mr. Golding says these challenges demand that Jamaicans continue the work of the heroes, ensuring a Jamaica where social and economic justice is a reality for all.
He’s also calling on Jamaicans to honour the unrecognised heroes and heroines who make immense sacrifices for their families and communities across the country every day .
He highlights Civil servants, Teachers, Policemen and Soldiers, Doctors, Nurses, Firemen, Correctional Officers, and all those who serve Jamaicans and contribute to the betterment of the country.
