Opposition Senator Dr Floyd Morris has called on the Government of Jamaica to begin the process of increasing the number of national heroes from seven to eleven.

Dr Morris pitched his argument in the Senate on Friday, December 10, and stated that Bob Marley, Usain Bolt, Jimmy Cliff, and Louise Bennett-Coverley be the new names added to the list of heroes the nation currently has and be recognized for their immeasurable achievement to the development of the country. He argued that the four have distinctly represented Jamaica internationally and have contributed significantly to the development of the country’s music, sport, and cultural sectors.

“Be it resolved that this honourable Senate calls upon the government to put in place the necessary mechanisms and procedures for these iconic Jamaicans to be declared National Heroes and heroine respectively,” Morris said to the Senate.

For years Jamaicans have been deliberating the possibility of adding more heroes but conversations have always stalled and never really materialized into anything substantial. This has happened even though various committees have been created over the past two decades to draft the names of possible Jamaicans who should be declared national heroes. The National Honours and Awards Act also gives the Governor-General the authority to bestow on any Jamaican the title of national hero upon recommendation by the Prime Minister.

If the motion goes through before Jamaica’s 60th independence celebrations while Bolt and Cliff are still alive, they will be the first persons other than Alexander Bustamante to have received the title of national hero while still living. Bustamante, who was Jamaica’s first Prime Minister, received the award on October 18, 1969.

Discussions surrounding Jamaica’s treatment of their distinguished icon arose once more following Barbados’ move to make singer/ambassador Rihanna the newest national hero of their country.