Jamaica announces new Order of National Icon: Miss Lou and Marley are first recipients

Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett-Coverley and Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley are set to become the first Jamaicans to be awarded the newly created Order of National Icon, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced.

During his National Heroes’ Day message on Monday, Holness revealed that the groundwork for the new national honour has been laid, and the legal process to formalize the recognition will soon be underway. Once completed, both cultural icons will be officially conferred with the title. “This will be a most well-deserved and long-overdue recognition of their legendary contributions to Jamaican culture and music. Both Miss Lou and Bob Marley stand as towering figures in the preservation and global elevation of Jamaica’s cultural heritage,” Holness said.

Both Miss Lou and Marley currently hold the Order of Merit, which grants them the title “The Honourable.” The new designation as National Icons reflects their extraordinary influence in shaping Jamaica’s cultural identity and global legacy. Holness highlighted Miss Lou’s pioneering role in promoting Jamaican Patois and folk traditions, while Bob Marley’s music, with its messages of resistance and unity, continues to resonate globally.