Bob Marley - FILE
REGGAE ICON BOB Marley has received another notable gift on the anniversary of his birth, as Mayor for the city of Toronto, Canada, David Miller proclaimed February 6 as Bob Marley Day.
"... I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2006, as 'Bob Marley Day' in the City of Toronto and join with Torontonians of Jamaican heritage to salute a great humanitarian and artiste," he said at a ceremony held at Toronto City Hall on Friday, February 3.
This was the 16th year that Toronto had proclaimed February 6, Bob Marley Day, to mark his birthday.
The mayor also added that during Bob Marley's 36 years his life and music had left an enduring impact of love, hope, creativity and inspiration.
AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE
"Bob Marley earned his place in the rock 'n' roll Hall of Fame with the distinctive reggae beat of music which captivated people of all cultures, changed the history of popular music and continues to inspire people around the world," the Mayor said.
Mayor Miller also outlined that Marley's work made him an international ambassador for peace, he was honoured by the United Nations with the Peace Medal of the Third World and by his home country, Jamaica, gaining the Order of Merit.
Courtney Betty, chairman of the Bob Marley Day Committee in Toronto, said over the years the celebration of the day, "has allowed Torontonians to come together and celebrate the life of an artiste who, through his talents and words, was able to reach many of differing backgrounds and beliefs, with a profoundly powerful message of humanitarianism and peace."
Each year, the committee also recognises individuals who use their "skills and resources to help make the city of Toronto a better place," presenting them with the Bob Marley Award.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Arnold Auguste, publisher of Share Newspaper.
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