It is with great pleasure to be informed that a statue of a most beloved son of Jamaica, the Honourable Bob Marley, will be erected and unveiled at the Festival in Serbia.
In fact, that pleasure is mixed with a great deal of surprise to learn that Serbia has reggae fans who love Bob Marley so much, that they have become the first citizens in Europe to establish such a tribute and honor to the great Reggae Psalmist, Bob.
We in Jamaica are extremely proud of the work Bob Marley did to take the message of Peace and Love to the world, through the sweet music of reggae. This unique Reggae Ambassador did not only take the righteous message in his music. He took with him the spirit of this beautiful country, the sunshine, the beaches, the mountains and especially - the warmth of its people.
There was never before or since a singer like Bob Marley. His songs were tuneful melodies, rhythmic beats and – most of all – lyrics that expressed the hopes, pains and tribulations of life felt by those who saw the need to live a righteous life and do the will of the Almighty Creator.
Rastafari, the unique religion born in Jamaica and out of which Reggae Music was created, was Bob Marley’s inspiration.  In living the Rasta life, Bob accepted the suffering, scorn, discrimination and rejection, but he felt justified by the teachings of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie 1, whom Bob and all Rastas see as an example of the Biblical Christ. In “Exodus – Movement of Jah People” he sang about his beliefs in the return to Africa and the restoration of the ancient glory of the Continent. In “Get Up Stand Up” he inspired freedom fighters from Zimbabwe to the Berlin Wall.
In “Turn Your Lights Down Low” he showed a gentle romantic side, while in “Three Little Birds” he inspired the hopeless to believe in the coming of a better day. Yes, “Every little thing’s gonna be alright.”
For Bob, the militant Rastaman, music was a weapon that "… when it hits you, you feel no pain...” So he fired his weapons of words in song and the world was conquered by his music, and by his message.
Bob Marley’s music went into every corner of the world. Wherever we Jamaicans go, as soon as people hear we are from Jamaica, they say “Bob Marley”. In the 80 years since Rastafari movement began to develop its philosophy, the Movement of Jah People has spread to all corners of the world and people have been inspired to follow Marley’s Rastafari lifestyle and beliefs.
Today people in SERBIA, a country few Jamaicans have ever heard of, are paying tribute to him today with this statue.  Speaking on behalf of the people of Jamaica, I can say that we feel very humble at this tribute, because in honouring Bob Marley, you honour all Jamaicans.
Reggae music, especially Bob Marley’s reggae music, has given Jamaicans a pride in themselves and their country. Jamaicans are great people, as you have seen in the recent athletic accomplishments of our great Olympic athletes.
As Minister of Culture, I have the privelege of speaking on behalf on behalf of all Jamaicans. I therefore wish to thank you for the honour and tribute this statue represents to all Jamaicans, to all musicians, to all who love Reggae Music, and most especially to the Memory of The Honourable ROBERT NESTOR MARLEY.

ONE LOVE! 
ONE HEART! 
LET’S GET TOGETHER
AND FEEL ALRIGHT!

Hon. OLIVIA GRANGE, M.P.
Minister of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports
Jamaica