PNP recommits to making Marley, Miss Lou national heroes
Published:Friday | July 11, 2025 | 12:09 AMAdrian Frater/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding has restated a pledge to elevate reggae legend Bob Marley and cultural icon Miss Lou to the status of national heroes if his party forms the next Government.
Speaking at the PNP’s Trelawny parish meeting in Albert Town Square on Wednesday night, Golding, stressed the importance of symbolising excellence.
“We need a Government that will tackle real and pressing issues that affect your standard of living, and your quality of life, that the people can have trust and confidence in, that will uplift the nation so that the nation can progress, flourish, and generally become the great nation that we are destined to be,” said Golding. “That is why we want Bob Marley and Miss Lou to be national heroes because we recognise their value and symbolism of excellence and the symbolism of uplifting the people.”
In speaking to the need to embrace integrity and accountability, Golding charged that the PNP would also have a massive repair task and restoration of standards ahead if elected.
“We have a lot of work to do, but the next Government of Jamaica will be a Government of integrity led by somebody who is committed to the elimination of corruption and hanky-panky in high and low place,” declared Golding. “We will support the institutions of the State that are there to ensure that everything is done on a level and that the politics and the governance of the country is clean.”
In leaning into the controversy surrounding the appointment of the new head of the Financial Investigations Division a few weeks ago, Golding says a future PNP government would not get embroiled in any such issues.
FUTURE PLANS
“We will support the Integrity Commission. We won’t seek to undermine or dismantle it,” said Golding. “We will ensure that institutions like the Financial Investigations Division, that there is no interference in employment of persons leading institutions like that ... because we recognise that those institutions must be above board, and we cannot have interference in processes to employ leaders in those institutions because that will undermine Jamaica’s image internationally.”
In looking at other controversial issues that have come to the fore in recent times, Golding said his administration would address concerns surrounding beach access.
“We will be looking at access to beaches around the country. We will be looking to see what is necessary so that all our people will enjoy the beauty of this country, and if they waa go hold a meds on one of our wonderful beaches, they will be able to do so because we will ensure access, and we will be negotiating with owners to ensure that those rights are protected,” said the opposition leader.
He told Comrades that a lot would be at stake when Jamaicans next head to the polls.
“The next time Jamaica goes to the polls, it will be serious business. The future is at stake. We need a government that can deliver a vision of hope for the people,” said Golding.