‘Trench Town neglected’
No honouring Marley without addressing social ills in legend’s hometown, says Ellis
Published:Monday | February 17, 2025 | 9:30 AMCorey Robinson/Senior Staff Reporter
Trench Town, the birthplace of many reggae legends, is celebrated globally by fans from all corners of the world, with some even travelling great distances and renting Airbnbs just to experience its essence.
Yet despite its cultural significance, the community continues to grapple with numerous social challenges, and according to veteran comedian and actor Owen ‘Blakka’ Ellis, Trench Town has been neglected for decades. Ellis asserts that to truly honour the legacy of its most famous son, Bob Marley, the pressing issues within the St Andrew-based community must be addressed.
“I think the world, Jamaica and the Caribbean, without any doubt, honour Bob Marley. But if you truly want to honour Bob Marley, you need to do more for Trench Town. Because Bob Marley came to Trench Town, the community adopted him, and in at least five of his songs he mentioned Trench Town. In fact, in one song, he said, ‘Give this slum a try’,” charged Ellis, who is also the chairman of the Trench Town Development Association.
Ellis was one of several guests at a luncheon in honour of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday at the S Hotel in New Kingston on Thursday. The event, part of a collaboration between S Hotel and the Bob Marley Foundation, featured a dynamic video highlighting Kingston’s rich rhythms, history, and creative energy. A special metal sculpture of Bob Marley, crafted by German artist Diedel Kloever, was unveiled during the luncheon.
“Trench Town is the place where reggae and Rasta emerged, yet it is still among Jamaica’s poorest and most crime-infested areas. What is with that? If you want to fix Jamaica, fix Trench Town,” Ellis argued. “Every street from First to 14th some legends come from there. It’s not just Bob. There is Ken Boothe, Dennis Brown, Alton Ellis, Bunny and Scully, Lascelles Perkins, Junior Tucker, Jimmy Tucker, Adina Edwards. It’s one place with 14 streets creating so many legends. There is something about the soil, the water, that makes legends in Trench Town.”
STRUGGLING WITH STIGMA
Ellis noted the growing demand for Airbnbs in the area, particularly from German tourists who revere reggae and Bob Marley. However, despite international interest, the community still struggles with the same stigma it faced during Marley’s heyday, and many of the social issues persist.
“I don’t think Jamaica understands how powerful Bob Marley – and, by extension, Trench Town – is,” said Ellis.
He revealed that the Trench Town Development Association is working on forming an advisory committee, hoping to involve forward-thinking private-sector leaders.
Yesterday, the S Hotel chain, which has properties in Kingston and Montego Bay, honoured Bob Marley’s birthday and legacy with a special tribute. In addition to appropriate Jamaican aesthetics at its New Kingston-based Strings Cafe and Bar, with a striking zinc mural with Bob Marley’s impression and guitar, guests were treated to some of the finest Jamaican dishes prepared by staff.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Bob Marley Foundation to bring this experience to life,” said Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica. “As a longtime patron of the Culture Yard, I have always believed in the power of Kingston’s cultural legacy. This project is not only a celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday but also a tribute to the creative spirit that makes Kingston the beating heart of Jamaica.”